We are running Birmingham half marathon on behalf of Jack Keylock to raise funds for the Keith Leighton Neurological Fund. Lizzies cousin Jack in an inspirational young man. Please read more about his story and this amazing charity below.

KEITH LEIGHTON NEUROLOGICAL FUND

Sheila Leighton is a local lady to Hay-on-Wye who runs a vital neurological charity in memory of her late husband who passed away from a brain tumour in 1987. After losing her loved one she and her family wanted to put something back into the community and they been tirelessly fundraising in Keith’s name for the past 30 years.

Her charity extends to an approximate radius of 10 miles of Hay-on-Wye and over the years to date she has helped many local families, with ill youngsters and adults in the prime of their life.

This neurological charity provides financial support to local families such as Lizzies cousin Jack Keylock who has a brain tumour and unfortunately has had to undergo multiple operations and specialist proton beam radiation treatment over the past 3 years.

Loved one’s are impacted as well during these difficult times especially when the patient is placed in a hospital far away from home, breaking their family unity. Families like Jacks face a lot of stress in uncertain times, but Sheila is there for them ‘emotionally’ as well as ‘financially’.

Jacks’ family have stated that to be a recipient of a charity donation is a very humbling experience, but it is so gratefully appreciated. The donations Sheila dispenses can be put to the most appropriate use, such as gifts/treats to cheer the patient up and helping with costly travel and accommodation for immediate family members. This is especailly important as patients can be hospitalised for a long period of time and patients need their family close to them in trying times.

In addition to supporting local people; funds are also raised to provide much needed beds at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham where Jack is a regular patient on the Neurological ward (407) and this charity provides monies to fund equipment and research when sufficient charity funds are available.

Sheila, her family and patients she has helped past and present tirelessly try to raise funds to put something back into the community.

To date this driven lady has given support to patients and their families at the worst possible times of their lives and she continues to support a hospital where many local patients have been admitted. She has helped so many who will forever owe a debt of gratitude to her such as my cousin and his family. Jack and his family are on a long and difficult journey. After 13.1 miles our tiring mission will be over but theirs will not. Jack wants to give back to the charity that continues to help him and his family at this difficult time. Please support Jack and this worthwhile charity by supporting my just giving page.