Emily Abel, 10, was presented with the Community Volunteer Award at the Rayleigh Town Council Awards. It’s after she raised more than £1,500 for Brain Tumour Research in memory of her dad, Dan.
Dan was diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma in 2012 after an optician noticed swelling on both his optic nerves. He underwent multiple brain surgeries, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but after his tumour progressed to a glioblastoma (GBM), Dan died at home on 17th November 2016, aged 43. He left his wife Katherine and three children, William, Oliver and Emily.
Emily came up with the idea to fundraise by doing odd jobs around her home. They included taking out the recycling, emptying the rubbish out of the car, tidying up her bedroom, making her brothers’ beds and cleaning the bathroom sink. Her mum Katherine said Emily was “thrilled” by the donations and kind messages of support that friends and family shared on her JustGiving page.
Katherine added: “I'm incredibly proud of Emily for wanting to support Brain Tumour Research, as I am proud of all three of my children for how they have coped since losing their dad. They have all been very touched by the support people have given by donating to the charity in Dan's memory.”
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