My Grandad was a fit and strong 83 year old, climbing plum trees, balancing on top of conifer hedges so he could trim them and climbing the 199 steps up to the Whitby Abbey.

Then suddenly, without warning, my Grandad’s mobility deteriorated and in March 2023, he was eventually diagnosed with a high grade Glioma (an extremely aggressive brain tumour).

The neurosurgeons were unable to offer my Grandad  any treatment and as a result of this he was sent home. My Grandad passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on the 14th of July 2023, just 4 months after his diagnosis.

Throughout his illness, my Grandad remained positive, brave, strong and dignified.

Research is vital and necessary to enhance early detection and to develop new and effective treatment.Brain tumours can affect anyone, at any time.

They are the single biggest killer of the under 40s in the UK.Every week approximately 15 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in Yorkshire. 

Research has been underfunded for brain tumours, with current treatments nearly 40 years old.

Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity aims to fund world-class research here in Yorkshire to find treatments and a cure.

I would like to honour my Grandad’s memory and to raise awareness for Brain Tumour Research by participating in the North Yorkshire Costal Ramble on the 16th September 2023.