Douglas Thomson
Doug's Life Cycle 4: Going the extra mile for Children's Brain Tumour Research
Fundraising for Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre - University of Nottingham
Story
I am cycling 1,400 miles, taking in the four corners of Britain, in honour of Claudia Burkill from Lincolnshire, aged eight, who has been battling a brain tumour which was diagnosed three years ago. Her mother Andrea and father Dave started a Facebook page called 'Claudia's Cause' as a way of keeping loved ones informed of Claudia's progress. It has had more than one million hits and Claudia's story has captured the hearts and minds of a vast online community, raising £100,000 in just 13 days for the Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre at The University of Nottingham.
It is an honour to be riding for Claudia. Her story is an inspiration to all of us on the team and I regard it as a real privilege to be linked with Claudia in this way. I hope that our efforts through the ride not only raise valuable funds but also demonstrate the support that there is for Claudia and other children who are undergoing treatment at the centre and beyond. I have been struck by the bravery of the families affected by this terrible disease, and their own commitment to raising funds for research and treatment. In addition to raising valuable funds for Children's Brain Tumour Research I hope that our ride sends a strong message of support to these families. Although I'm a keen cyclist this is a first sponsored event for me (and easily the longest ride!), but I can't think of any better cause to ride for.
For more information on the Life Cycle 4 challenge - visit the Life Cycle 4 website - www.nottingham.ac.uk/lifecycle
Many thanks