The BTRS Fund 'Ian Meek - Let's Cure Brain Tumours' stopped actively fundraising at the beginning of 2015. You can still donate to this JustGiving page in Ian's memory and safe in the knowledge that your donation will be used to continue funding of the Ian Meek Phd Studentship, based at the Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology. 

Read Ian's Tribute at www.btrs.org.uk

Ian's Story. 

Ian Meek was an extraordinary man - diagnosed with a low grade brain tumour almost 20 years ago, he endured five bouts of neurosurgery, then radiotherapy and chemotherapy to slow the progression of the disease. The brain tumour became malignant in 2009.

Instead of letting the news of the change get him down, he set about raising £100,000 over the course of three years to fund a PhD student working in the brain tumour research lab in Leeds.

Ian organised 70 people to do the national three peaks, then 30 people to cycle from Bristol to Bradford and his final major fundraiser was to be Lands End to John o'Groats with a special stopover in Leeds on Yorkshire Day, August 1st followed by a trip to his former workplace, John Smith's Brewery in Tadcaster.

Sadly, Ian deteriorated and was not able to take part in the ride, and was admitted to St Gemma's Hospice on 19th July, Ian's friends carried on with his wish for the event to continue. August 1st was planned - with the cyclists meeting the Lord Mayor of Leeds outside the Civic Hall, a brass band played and Ian's Torch held pride of place. As we left Leeds for the next stop we learned that Ian had passed away and we headed up to St Gemma's. Assembled in the car park were 40 or so friends and family, all wearing Ian Meek cycle jerseys or tee shirts, marking the fact that a wonderful person had left us. To borrow a quote left in Ian's remembrance book "The Earth lost a Soul, but the Universe Gained a Star".

When he died, Ian had smashed his target and had raised over £105k for research into brain tumours. He was a truly amazing man who, after just one conversation with a stranger, you were sure you had made a friend.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to BTRS and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate.

So please dig deep and donate now.