The uncle of a young woman undergoing gruelling treatment for an aggressive brain tumour has completed a rowing fundraising challenge to help find a cure for the disease.
Joe Lane, captain of the Trinity House Rowers in Billericay, took part in the International Five Miles From Home Series 2021 event to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research. The event saw him and his crew of five rowers complete a five-mile course from Deptford to Tower Bridge in a time of 00:52:14.
Joe was inspired to fundraise because his 25-year-old niece, Ria Melvin (pictured below with her aunt Jan Lane), is currently undergoing chemotherapy for a brain tumour. The ‘Rowing for Ria’ team has raised nearly £600 to help fund the fight.
He said: “My niece Ria was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme or GBM brain tumour in December 2018. She has undergone surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and has also been to Germany for immunotherapy treatment. She is currently nearing the end of a final course of chemotherapy which has horrendous side-effects and has had to give up working in the civilian role she loves for Essex Police.
“I know that a cure won’t be found in time for Ria, but the charity Brain Tumour Research has been fantastic in helping Ria raise awareness of this lethal form of cancer that kills more people under the age of 40 than any other.”
To donate to Brain Tumour Research inspired by Joe, click here and share your reason as Joe Lane for Ria Melvin
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