We’re a team of passionate supporters, patients, volunteers, friends, and family members, all brought together by one cause – to raise vital funds and awareness for Brain Tumour Research.

Each of us has a personal reason for taking part in this challenge. Some of us are living with a diagnosis, some have supported loved ones through treatment, and others are honouring those we’ve lost. Together, we’re paddling not just for fun, but for progress – to help fund the research that could lead to better treatments, improved outcomes, and, one day, a cure.

We’re proud to be part of this amazing community and even prouder to be doing our bit to help drive change.

Thank you for your support – it means the world to us. 💛

Please read below to find out more about each of our team members and why they're supporting this vital cause.

Cat Heald

"After my GBM4 diagnosis in June 2020, and treatment from August to October 2020, I wanted to be part of a charity community to help raise awareness, fundraise and volunteer. Brain Tumour Research was the perfect charity for me. Over the last five years, I've been given the opportunity to network, represent the charity with TV and radio interviews, write blogs and articles for their website, fundraise with some amazing challenges, and raise awareness and educate others about the awful statistics and lack of government funding. Along with my husband, Thomas, and my parents, Dick and Rose Evans, we're doing what we can to fundraise now so that hopefully, in the future, others with a brain tumour diagnosis will have more funding for research, better statistics and an improved life expectancy."

Thomas Heald

"After my wife, Catherine, was diagnosed in June 2020, I've been by her side throughout her journey: taking her to hospital radiotherapy treatment and MRI scans and review appointments when she wasn't allowed to drive, sitting in her car as a passenger on the day she was allowed to drive again for moral support, to where she is now with all her fundraising challenges and volunteering. I'm proud of what she has overcome and achieved in the last five years, and I'm excited to be part of Brain Tumour Research's Dragon Boat team and do what I can to raise awareness and fundraise."

Dick Evans

“I lost a brother-in-law and his eldest son many years ago to tumours. My daughter, Cat, has now become a Super Survivor so there is no better charity to support and raise funds for”

Shannon Moore

"I’m participating in the Dragon Boat race to support Brain Tumour Research, a cause deeply personal to me as someone living with a brain tumour. Being a volunteer at their head office, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact of their work. I also wanted to challenge myself with something I’ve never done before, so I chose the Dragon Boat race as a way to push my limits while helping fund vital research and bring hope to others affected by this disease."

Helen Hanlon

"My diagnosis has made me take stock of what’s important. I consider myself lucky because my tumour is low grade, so if I can do something to help others by raising money and awareness then I’m all for that."

Thomas Bisson

"I'm supporting brain tumour research because of my Dad, he lucky survived his tumour but others haven't been so lucky. Every penny raised could mean that another person gets to live."

Phil Forsyth

"I'm taking part in this year's BTR Dragon Boat Race after supporting my brother Steven for the last 2years since his GBM4 diagnosis. I hope the money raised will help to fund research into better treatments for this awful disease."

Rich Wigley

"My tumour has left its mark on everyday life. My short-term memory is rather awful, and I have traits similar to mild dyslexia. When I wear my hair short, you can see the scar from my surgery, which I carry with pride.

I want to help bring treatment for brain tumours in line with other cancers and help the decision-makers see it is a priority to receive investment in research funding."

Gavin White

"There are so many different factors when it comes to treating the disease there is no, one-size-fits-all. We need to invest in research into brain tumours, to allow personalised care for those facing their own diagnosis."