We are looking forward to welcoming incredible supporters to the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at The Institute of Cancer Research today (24ᵗʰ February).
Inspired by the brain tumour journeys of loved ones, or their own diagnosis, the supporters have each managed to fund at least one day of research at the Centre, which costs £2,740. Our team at ICR, led by Professor Chris Jones (pictured below centre) is working to find new treatment options for paediatric brain tumours.
Among the supporters will be Cain North, 23, from York – whose diagnosis with a glioblastoma in April 2023 has driven him and his family and friends to raise thousands for Brain Tumour Research, including around £5,000 through a Walk of Hope in 2023 and around £6,000 last year through a bingo event..
The former personal trainer underwent surgery to remove the tumour 10 days before his 22ⁿᵈ birthday – he has since had two further operations for regrowth, the first just weeks after his original surgery.
Cain (below left), whose original prognosis was just 12 months, said: “I don’t have a bucket list because if I ever wanted to do something, I’ve done it. There’s no better time than the present – there’s no such thing as tomorrow.”
Also touring the lab will be Eleica Hines, 21, from Nottingham. A brain tumour survivor herself, Eleica walked 350 miles from her workplace in Broxtowe to the Eiffel Tower, Paris – raising more than £6,000 in the process. The epic challenge was in memory of her friend Erin Kiggins, who passed away from an undiagnosed brain tumour in 2021.
Eleica (above right) said: “The Government doesn’t give enough money to research brain tumours and it doesn’t recognise the terrible impact they have on families. It’s some comfort to think that the donations made in Erin’s memory are helping to make a difference for people diagnosed with brain tumours in the future.”
To help make a difference, find out how you can sponsor a day of research and tour a Centre of Excellence.
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Published Monday 24ᵗʰ February 2025.