Today (12th July 2024) we’re remembering Wing Commander Kieran O’Sullivan on what should have been his 50th birthday.
Kieran is the inspiration behind our Fundraising Group Boogie at the Biscuit set up by his wife Beth in his memory.
Kieran was first diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma in 2001 and underwent multiple surgeries, as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He passed away in 2018, aged 44, almost 17 years after his diagnosis and just two months after leaving his beloved career in the RAF.
Beth said: “I met Kieran two years after he was diagnosed with this awful disease and he told me then he wouldn’t grow old. At the time, I mistakenly assumed there would be advancements in treatment, meaning he would far outlive his original stark survival prognosis.”
Beth holds a fun-filled evening of dinner, music and dancing every two years on or around the anniversary of Kieran’s passing. It’s held at the Biscuit Factory in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, hence the name Boogie at the Biscuit. The next glittering event will be on Saturday 15th November 2025, which is the seventh anniversary of Kieran’s death.
In her speech at Boogie at the Biscuit 2021, Beth said: “At 17:51, almost three years ago today, we lost one of life’s characters who filled more in his 44 years than many do in twice as much time on earth. Raise your glasses tonight and make every second count.”
Thanks to the generosity of around 250 revellers that night, an incredible grand total of around £18,000 was raised – enough to sponsor six days of research.
To donate in memory of Kieran go to www.braintumourresearch.org/donation/donate-now and share your reason as Boogie at the Biscuit – you will be helping to make a difference for brain tumour patient outcomes in the future.
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