I'm raising £25000 to support Tom’s cancer journey and fund vital brain tumour research.
Organised by Nicola Stiddard
Story
We’re rallying together to support a member of our community: Tom, a much-loved member of CrossFit Catford, who was recently diagnosed with a grade 4 astrocytoma – an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Earlier this year, just two weeks after returning from his honeymoon, Tom suffered a Grand Mal seizure that lasted over five minutes. After urgent hospitalisation and a series of tests, a brain tumour was discovered. On 14 April, Tom underwent brain surgery. Less than three weeks later, he and his wife Vicky were told the devastating news: the tumour was grade 4 and likely to return.
On March 16th – just two weeks after we got back from our honeymoon – Tom had a Grand Mal seizure that lasted over five minutes. He bit through his tongue and stopped breathing. I had to give him CPR while calling 999 — it was the most traumatic day of my life. After a few days in hospital and lots of tests, they found a brain tumour. Fast forward to April 14th, Tom had brain surgery. Less than three weeks later, we were told the tumour was a grade 4 and incurable. It’s likely to return. We’re now doing everything we can to fight it. — Vicky
Through all of this, Tom and his wife Vicky have shown nothing but strength, courage and love - and now it’s our turn to show up for them.
The Event: 24-Hour WOD
Hosted by CrossFit Catford & CrossFit Sydenham
On 2nd August, we’ll be hosting a 24-Hour WOD - 24 workouts in 24 hours - to raise funds and show our love and solidarity. Workouts start on the hour, every hour, from 9AM on Saturday 2 to 8AM on Sunday 3 August.
Where Your Donations Go
All funds raised will be split equally between:
🧠 Brain Tumour Research (50%)
Brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to them.
💛 Tom’s Recovery & Treatment Support (50%)
This includes non-NHS-funded care such as:
-Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
-Red light therapy
-Infrared saunas
The fund may also go towards future options abroad if treatment options in the UK become limited.
