On 7th July, 8 years to the day after his mum list her battle with cancer, my grandson was admitted to hospital for surgery to remove a brain tumour. 

The surgery was successful, but the cancer is high grade and subsequently found to have infiltrated the brain stem. He is now going through radiotherapy and chemotherapy to prolong his lifetime and to keep the tumour under control. 

This is the second time Matthew has had a brain tumour. He had his first tumour as a 3 year old in 2006. This tumour was removed and successfully treated. Unfortunately this time it is life limiting and being managed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. 

To raise money I have taken on a challenge of open water swims in lakes and the sea. I haven’t swam seriously fir 55 years and never in open water. I aim to complete 100 kilometres of open water swimming over the next 12 months. This is a major challenge for me but pales into insignificance to the challenge Matthew faces

Brain Tumour Research is a charity close to our hearts as they look to find a cure for brain tumours suffered by many children and adults. I would greatly appreciate anyone willing to donate to this worthwhile cause.