As we head towards the Christmas break, we are sending our very best wishes to you and your family and our heartfelt thanks for everything you have done to support Brain Tumour Research this year.
And what a year it's been. Over the last 12 months we have granted a record £3 million to fund research, opened our fourth Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, published the influential Pathway to a Cure – breaking down the barriers inquiry report on behalf of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours for which we hold the secretariat, prompted a parliamentary debate, and collected more than 81,000 signatures on our petition demanding increased Government investment in research into brain tumours.
Our annual Walk of Hope took place in more locations than ever and raised a whopping £300,000. You responded to our calls to share your stories and campaign with us for change, you've jumped out of planes, skipped every day for a month, walked over hot coals and took part in numerous other activities to help fund the fight. All this as we live in uncertain times with conflicts happening abroad and as we feel the pinch at home as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite.
This year has also seen the retirement of our founding Chief Executive Sue Farrington Smith MBE, now a Trustee, and the arrival of our new CEO, Dan Knowles, who said: “I want to thank everybody for their very warm welcome and wish you and your family peace and best wishes. As Christmas approaches, many of us find ourselves remembering those no longer with us and coping with the harsh reality of a brain tumour diagnosis and the uncertainty and fear that brings. Yet, despite all you must bear, I am inspired and motivated by your commitment to help us find a cure for this devastating disease and know that if we continue our efforts, together we will find a cure.”
We've heard some extraordinary stories throughout Advent and you've responded with donations and heartfelt messages to this year's Christmas Appeal, which runs right up to Christmas Eve.
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