Families affected by brain tumours will today meet scientists conducting pioneering research to find a cure for the disease.
A group of supporters are attending a tour of our Centre of Excellence at the University of Plymouth. They will go behind-the-scenes in the labs and learn more about progress being made to find a cure for brain tumours through speaking with the scientists working there.
Among those attending the event are Jessica and Simon Edwards. Their beloved son, James, was diagnosed with a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), now known as a diffuse midline glioma, in October 2017, at the age of two.
Tragically, James passed away on 25th March 2021, aged six, with his parents by his side.
The youngster’s death touched his local community and prompted the Ship Inn in Wadebridge, to hold a raffle in James’ memory which raised £3,000 for Brain Tumour Research. Prizes donated by local businesses included festival tickets, days at the races and tickets to watch Plymouth Argyle FC.
Jessica said: “It’s very isolating being grieving parents, especially as we have no other children. And so important to raise awareness of the need for much more research. There has been no progress in the treatment of DIPG or diffuse midline glioma brain tumours in the last 25 years. We don’t want this to continue, with other families being destroyed like ours has been.”
To find out more about sponsoring a day of research, click here.
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