People from across the UK came together in droves last Saturday to step out in solidarity at our annual Walk of Hope, raising tens of thousands of pounds to help find a cure for brain tumours – the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40.
At our flagship event at Chatsworth, Derbyshire, walkers created a moving vision of pink as they snaked through the beautiful grounds of the Chatsworth estate, helping to find a cure for brain tumours – the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40. Together they raised more than £65,000.
Among these walkers was Gary Chandler from Runcorn, who joins Walk of Hope each year with his family to remember his brother, lost five years ago. Gary said: “Walking in memory of Michael means a lot to us. This year, Walk of Hope is on his actual birthday – he would have turned 39.”
Our Fundraising Group, Lydia’s Wish from Wakefield, stepped out to honour a much-loved and missed sister and auntie, Lydia Carfrae-Brohaska, lost to a glioblastoma in 2020, at the age of 36. Among Lydia’s family at Chatsworth was her 14-month-old niece, named Lydia after the auntie she will never get to meet.
Zara Taylor’s parents and husband, Beverly, Keith and Jordan, travelled from Blackpool to honour Zara, accompanied by a large group of friends and their beloved dogs. Zara had set up her own Fundraising Group, Zara’s Appeal for a Cure, after being diagnosed with glioblastoma at just 30 in 2021. Despite her courage and determination, nothing could save Zara and she died in 2023.
Elsewhere in the UK, supporters organised their own Walks of Hope, including our Fundraising Group, Albie and Beyond, who walked between two Oxfordshire pubs (see above image), raising more than £2,000, Their steps were in memory of Albie Bayliss-Watts, lost at just two to a rare brain tumour he had been diagnosed with less than a year earlier.
And taking part for the third consecutive year were researchers from our Centre of Excellence at Queen Mary University of London, led by Dr Sara Badodi. This year they enjoyed the scenic setting of Greenwich Park. Their steps reflected not only scientific dedication, but also deep compassion for the patients and families driving their life-changing work, as they raised an impressive £832 for Brain Tumour Research.
Together, these walks form part of a nationwide movement united by one shared goal: finding a cure for all types of brain tumours. Every step taken and every pound raised brings hope to patients and families facing this devastating disease. A massive thank you to everyone who took part, including acoustic neuroma patient Elizabeth Baldwin, who, along with friends and family, raised an awesome £14,005, topping our Walk of Hope fundraising leaderboard!
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