Today, on the fourth anniversary of his death, we are remembering William Low.
William was first diagnosed aged five with a high-grade medulloblastoma brain tumour and underwent surgery and treatment, but the cancer returned when he was 13. He underwent further surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as a stem cell transplant. Sadly, aged 16, tumours developed on his spine, and there was no further treatment available.
William passed away on 11th August 2017, aged 17, leaving his devastated mum Helen, dad Craig and sister Harriet.
Along with good friends, the family set up The William Low Trust, a Member Charity of Brain Tumour Research, to help fight the battle against brain tumours. Last week, the charity announced its commitment to raise £143,657 to fund a PhD student over a four-year period. The researcher will join the team at the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at Queen Mary University of London, developing new strategies to inhibit the progression of aggressive medulloblastoma.
Helen said: “Setting up The William Low Trust was our way of doing something positive for other families. Our dearest wish is that William’s legacy brings hope for families in the future, who are supporting a loved one who has been diagnosed with a brain tumour.”
The support of our Member Charities, including The William Low Trust, is vital in helping us achieve our vision of finding a cure for brain tumours.
Collaboration is at the heart of Brain Tumour Research, having been founded by 14 brain tumour charities and with a growing membership. Each of our Member Charities was galvanised into action as a result of being personally affected by a brain tumour diagnosis. Our collective voice adds weight to our campaigning action and our Members are helping us build a game-changing network of world-class Centres of Excellence in the UK.
We are remembering William and thinking of all of his loved ones today.
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