The Brain Tumour Research autumn fundraiser is now underway and scores of supporters are jogging, swimming, cycling and skipping their way to clock up 99 Miles in November.
Diagnosed with a brain tumour after suffering a seizure while breastfeeding her newborn, Lisa Wootten (top left) is taking on the challenge to raise money and awareness of the Charity. She was diagnosed just over a year ago with a 5cm meningioma two weeks after a major seizure at 38 weeks pregnant led to an emergency caesarean to deliver her son, Noah. Her shocking diagnosis followed almost two years of unexplained seizures that were repeatedly attributed to nerve problems and other causes.
The 37 year old from Essex spent the first three months of her son’s life in and out of hospital, making it difficult to bond and she now lives with epilepsy as a result of her diagnosis. She said: “Even though I have been left with mental and physical impacts, I’m grateful every day that my little, beautiful boy is safe and healthy. Taking part in these challenges is a way of doing something to highlight the indiscriminate nature of brain tumours.”
Somerset mum Sue Wheeler is taking on the 99 Miles challenge after her son Jamie, 16, began suffering headaches during his GCSEs and scans showed a tumour blocking the fluid drainage in his brain, causing dangerous pressure to build.
Initially put down to stress, infection from a tooth extraction and the summer heat, it was an eye test that led the family to A&E.
Sue said: “The surgeon told us that had the tumour not been found Jamie would have suffered blindness and worse died from the pressure on his brain. When the surgeon called to say it was done and they’d managed to remove all of it, we just broke down with relief.”
With Tig, the family’s border terrier to keep her company, Sue has already raised more than £1,600: “Walking 99 miles is nothing compared to what we’ve received. Without research, Jamie wouldn’t be here. I’m doing this for him, and for all the families who aren’t as lucky.”
Also powering up to raise pounds is the Alfie Boe Official Fan Group, run by Alison and Sarah (pictured top, centre), who, alongside Alfie’s army of fans, are tireless in their support. The group recently helped raise more than £15,000 through Alfie’s birthday fundraiser – in memory of his father Alfred who died of a brain tumour – and are now making the 99-mile journey to help fund more research, alongside pet pooches Dexter and Olly (below).
They said: “Both of us have had family and friends diagnosed with brain tumours, and we want to raise awareness and funds for this important cause. We first got involved with Brain Tumour Research when Alfie Boe became a Patron. We started facilitating various fundraising initiatives on his behalf through his official fan group, which we run, and earlier this year, we also participated in the Yorkshire Three Peaks.”
It's not too late to sign up to 99 Miles in November and turn your movement into money to help fund vital research and get us closer to a cure. If you’re unable to join in this time, you can still show your support by making a donation – every penny helps to change the story for brain tumour patients.
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