A six-year-old who passed away from a brain tumour has inspired 16 colleagues at Laceys Solicitors in Bournemouth to take on Brainathlon, a walk, run and relay challenge supporting three of the UK’s leading neurological research charities.
Mia Hankins was diagnosed with a brain tumour on 11th November 2020. She underwent surgery on 20th November, but despite the best efforts of medics, Mia never came round from the operation and passed away the following day, just 10 days after her diagnosis. Her family has set up Mia’s Pegasus Fund – a Fundraising Group which, to date, has raised more than £22,000 to support Brain Tumour Research.
Now, Mia’s aunt Laura Hankins and 15 of her colleagues at Laceys Solicitors are taking part in Brainathlon to raise vital funds to support Brain Tumour Research, Brain Research UK and Epilepsy Research UK.
Laura said: “Mia’s story is totally heart-breaking. She was such a brave and beautiful girl, loved so dearly by her family. And she was able to prolong the lives of three others in need through organ donation, making us even more proud of the caring and amazing young lady she was.”
Throughout Brainathlon Week (Monday 25th April to Sunday 1st May), the Laceys team will complete the 26.2 miles of the challenge by walking 10 miles, running 15 miles and climbing 1.2 miles (by walking up 2,500 stairs or equivalent).
Sam Burnand, Marketing Manager at Laceys, said: “Laceys is immensely proud of the large number of staff who have put themselves forward to take part in the Brainathlon challenge inspired by Laura’s niece Mia. On top of this, the partners have generously committed to adding an extra £1,000 to the final fundraising total.
“We are already in training with walks on Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes along the beach and our programme for Brainathlon week will be a five-mile run on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, stair-climbing on Tuesday and Thursday and a 10-mile walk followed by a picnic on Saturday. We have also invited families and dogs of the colleagues taking part to join in the fun of the walk and picnic.”
To support Laceys Brainathlon fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/laceyssolicitorsbrainathlon