Today marks 10 years since we launched an e-petition alongside the amazing Realf family. It was launched one year on from the passing of Stephen Realf – an RAF pilot who was 26 years old when he died.
The petition stated “more funding for research is urgently needed... Brain Tumour Research is calling on the Government and larger cancer charities to raise investment to £30-£35 million a year, and this petition aims to support its campaign".
Stephen’s father Peter recollected: "In 2015 I met the amazing team at Brain Tumour Research, who inspired my daughter to launch a Parliamentary petition which was signed by 120,129 members of the public. With the support of the charity the petition became the subject of a Westminster Hall debate attended by more than 70 MPs, and out of the debate the Department of Health and Social Care Task & Finish Working Group on Brain Tumours was formed. This culminated in 2018 when the Government announced £40 million being available to fund brain tumour research over the following five years.
“Research gave my son hope, the campaigning we have done since Stephen died and the impact we have had has given me the belief that my son did not die in vain.”
Despite the passage of time the family’s commitment to make a difference for future patients diagnosed with the disease that caused them such trauma, distress and anguish remains undimmed. They illustrate the passion, tenacity and all-round loyalty to our cause that motivates all of us at Brain Tumour Research and they are always the first name on the list for events at Westminster where Peter is usually joined by his MP, John Slinger.
Last year Peter spoke about Stephen and about his work as a campaigner and that video can be watched in full below:
Across Stephen's anniversary year, the Realf family are still fundraising in Stephen's honour, helping support sustainable research in the hope of a brain tumour cure. Stephen's sister Maria Lester attempted to white water raft down the Olympic course at Lee Valley. The family also completed a 5k run, during which they met fitness coach and TV personality Joe Wicks. Most recently, Stephen's nephew Zac travelled over 3,000 km to visit all 20 Premier League stadiums, based on his uncle's love of Premier League football.
You can donate to the Realf family's 10 for Stephen fundraiser here.
Related reading:
