Thirteen scientists from a Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence took part in their own Walk of Hope on Sunday 29th September.
The team of PhD students, post-docs, and research assistants from our Centre at Queen Mary University of London were joined at Victoria Park by friends and family to walk a total of 5km. Junior group leader Dr Sara Badodi who organised the event said: “It certainly made our work in the lab even more meaningful.”
Sara’s work is funded by the parents of Ollie Gardiner, Peter and Jane, a 13-year-old who passed away in 2017 from a medulloblastoma. On her inspiration, Dr Badodi said: “I remember watching a TV show where a researcher explained how their work had improved the quality of treatment for patients. I immediately knew I wanted to do the same.”
The team at Queen Mary is working towards developing a deeper understanding of high-grade brain tumours in adults, and finding kinder treatments for medulloblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) in children. Dr Badodi is currently studying the mechanisms and DNA modifications in the development and maintenance of paediatric brain tumours.
The Walk happened the day after the nationwide Walk Of Hope event, where hundreds of supporters stepped forward at London, Motherwell, Torpoint, Ellesmere, and Chatworth House to raise awareness and research funds.
Having raised over £1,500, Sara explained after the Walk: “There were lots of great conversations about our work as researchers in the brain tumour field. It felt meaningful to connect with others while raising awareness and funds for such an important cause.
“As a team, we want to shine a light on the need for more investment into research for the tens of thousands of people who are diagnosed in the UK every year.”
To help sustain this vital work and offer hope to brain tumour patients, you can donate to us via the researchers’ JustGiving page.
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Published Tuesday 8th October 2024.