Inspired by her brother Andrew (pictured above left on his 50th birthday), our Communications Officer Liz Fussey, along with her other siblings, have signed up to the Route to Research challenge. Andrew has lived with life-changing effects since his diagnosis with a low-grade astrocytoma more than 20 years ago, aged 33.
Tim, Liz, Mary and Chris (pictured below) have so far covered more than 1,100 miles, with a target to at least double the virtual distance of 676.2 miles from our Plymouth Centre of Excellence in the South West to our Scottish Centre of Excellence, based in Edinburgh, by the end of July.
Tim and Mary are both ratcheting up the miles through running, Chris is relying on his trusty bike, while Liz is taking a more sedate approach, walking with her faithful hound, Milo.
The family is keen to raise awareness of the desperate need to find kinder, more effective treatments for brain tumours and ultimately a cure. Multiple surgeries and radiotherapy have had a huge impact on Andrew’s life, including leaving him partially paralysed down his right side. He hasn’t been able to work for at least a decade, finds communication quite challenging, relies on a wheelchair or taxis for the severely disabled to get around, and depends on carers for all his personal needs, as well as good friends for shopping and preparing meals.
Liz, who has worked for the Charity since its launch in 2009, said: “Taking part in Route to Research as ‘Team Andrew’ means a lot to me and my siblings because of everything our lovely brother has gone through and has to live with every day.
“And it’s not just Andrew inspiring me, but all the patients and families I’ve worked with to raise awareness while working in the PR and Communications team, as well as our Fundraising Groups and Member Charities, too.”
If you have been inspired, please make a donation to Team Andrew.
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