A man is preparing for an adrenaline-fuelled challenge to help find a cure for brain tumours.
William Patterson will brave new heights this Saturday as he abseils 170 feet down the side of the Trafford Centre Barton Tower to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research. It’s after he lost his dad Lee to the disease.
Lee (pictured with William) passed away in November 2020, just seven weeks after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). He was 51 when he died, leaving his wife Kathy and their three sons, William, Thomas and Michael, devastated.
The family has already raised nearly £20,000 to help find a cure in Lee’s memory. Their fundraising endeavours have included a Hadrian’s Wall walk and a golf day. Whitley Lodge First School, where Kathy works, has also been “very supportive”, including holding a spring fundraising concert and taking part in Wear A Hat Day with Flowers last Friday.
Ahead of his challenge, William said: “Dad’s diagnosis was such a shock. Being told he had a brain tumour that he wouldn’t survive was the worst thing I’ve ever gone through.
“The feeling of total helplessness really hurt. If I can help to make a difference, then this challenge is worth it.
“I drive past the Trafford Centre to work every day so it will be great to be able to say that I’ve been down it for Dad.”
To support William’s fundraising, please visit his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/will-patt-trafford-abseil
To see our upcoming challenge and register your interest, click here.
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