An intrepid group of walkers recently tackled 50 miles of rugged Isle of Wight coastline and cliff paths in just 2 days in a unique challenge designed to raise funds for brainstrust, the charity dedicated to supporting people affected by a brain tumour.
Everyone in the group had been affected by a brain tumour in some way, whether a personal diagnosis, caring for a family member, or having lost a loved one and walking in their memory. The trek is 1 of 4 to have taken place across the UK over the last 2 weeks, raising a phenomenal sum of more than £55,000 for the charity – so far.
More than 60,000 people across the UK are living with a brain tumour and brainstrust, which is based on the Isle of Wight, gives vital support and advice to patients, families and caregivers right across the country. Every year approximately 11,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour, including 500 children. More than 5,000 people die from a brain tumour every year.
The group of 12 set off from Cowes early on Saturday morning and headed for Bembridge, to Shanklin and then on to Ventnor. The second day saw the group leave early from Ventnor and head to Niton, on to Brighstone and finally complete their epic 50 mile trek in Yarmouth.
Among those who took part in the trek this weekend were Isle of Wight postie Andrew Fowle, who took on the challenge in memory of his son, Ashley, who died from a brain tumour just 2 months before his 14th birthday.
Andrew said:
“I always wanted to do something to give back and to support other people who might be in the same position as we were, which is why I chose to take part in Follow the Seagulls. It’s was also important to me to walk in the memory of my son Ashley who was an inspiration to a lot of people”.
Will Jones, Chief Executive of brainstrust, said:
“Being diagnosed with a brain tumour has a devastating impact on people’s lives. For the patient themselves, their world is turned upside down. The cancer diagnosis, coupled with debilitating neurological impact more often than not leads to loss of income; impaired mobility; and wide-ranging functional implications for speech, mobility, memory and personality change. A brain tumour diagnosis is terrifying, isolating and confusing for the whole family.
“This is why the personalised 24/7 support that we offer at brainstrust, from the point of diagnosis, is vital. We build resources which help people become stronger and more in control of their lives. Follow the Seagulls plays a huge part in supporting our work, but it is also a real mental and physical challenge that matches the strength of feeling that people have for making life better for those living with a brain tumour”.
To donate visit https://brainstrust.org.uk/donate/.
