Jack Gale, has completed the Eden Marathon for the second time to honour Ria Melvin, the sister of his girlfriend Kaz and the inspiration for our Fundraising Group Raising4Ria.
Jack said: “Ria is such a big part of her family’s life and the most important person I never got to meet. Kaz talks about her a lot.”
It wasn’t until Jack got together with Kaz that he learnt how cruel brain tumours are and how many people are affected.
Ria, a graduate with a first-class degree in Sports Management, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM), aged 23, and underwent surgery twice, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She also accessed pioneering immunotherapy treatment in Germany, but nothing could save her and she passed away, aged 25, two years and seven months after diagnosis.
While going through treatment, Ria became a dedicated campaigner alongside the charity, raising awareness of the desperate need for improved treatment options and ultimately a cure.
Her family, including Kaz (pictured below, left, with Ria) and her mum Carol, set up Raising4Ria to continue Ria’s legacy and help channel their grief. To date the Group has raised an incredible total of more than £130,000.
Jack, 33, said: “It’s shocking how indiscriminate brain tumours are and what a detrimental effect they have on younger adults and children. Ria was leading a normal healthy life and, as a keen footballer, was very fit. It just shows how it can happen to anyone.
“I did the Eden Marathon last year too, but this year I was feeling really under the weather with a heavy cold, so it was much more of a challenge.
“I’m grateful to everyone who has donated – we owe it to Ria to help change outcomes for families affected by a brain tumour diagnosis in the future.”
You can still donate to Jack’s fundraising here.
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Published Tuesday 29th October 2024