Mark Bramall & Derek Bell and their C2C Challenge
Mark Bramall is raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity
In memory of Lizzie Bramall
Story
In February 2018, after a couple of weeks of minor symptoms, we received the horrifying diagnosis that our daughter Lizzie, aged just 9, had an inoperable, untreatable, terminal brain tumour called DIPG. DIPG affects only around 30 children in the UK each year, with an average life of expectancy from diagnosis of only 9 months. Lizzie died in our arms in November 2018, a week before her 10th birthday.
Lizzie participated in a clinical trial part funded by The Brain Tumour Charity, so she understood first-hand the importance of research. Lizzie decided she wanted to set up Lizzie's Fund to further the research funding available into childhood brain tumours. Research into brain tumours is shockingly underfunded in comparison to many other cancers, historically less than 2% of UK cancer research spend, so as a result survival is also amongst the worst of all cancers - yet it is the LARGEST cancer killer of children and young adults under 40. In just over a year Lizzie’s Fund has raised over £200,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity.
Mark and old friend Derek have been cycling together around the gentle flat lanes of Suffolk for many years.
But this summer (3 - 5 Sept.) we are taking on the notorious 140 mile Coast to Coast Challenge, from the Irish Sea at Whitehaven to the North Sea at Tynemouth, literally up and down some of the hilliest tracks in England.
The route across the Lake District is particularly special as it was the location of both Lizzie’s first and her last holiday - so full of happy memories.
We’re not participating in a big professionally organised event - we have planned our own route, off road as much as possible, and will have the back up of just one super support driver, Simon, who’s putting remote working to the test and meeting us each evening with bags and spares.
So please sponsor us to raise money in Lizzie's name and in memory of her dogged determination and spirit.
We’re having some really cool cycling jerseys made, so there’s a great opportunity for some extra special company sponsorship if you’d like your logo to travel the C2C with us.
Please email either bramalls@btinternet.co.uk or derekcbell@btinternet.com to discuss.
Thank you so much for supporting our efforts to honour Lizzie's amazing courage.
More details about Lizzie's story is available on www.lizziesfund.co.uk
The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, were moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour.We're set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And were doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can't wait.