In December 2023, our lives were turned upside down when Mary was hospitalised after visiting A&E with a persistent headache. She was subsequently diagnosed with a brain tumour (Grade 4 Glioblastoma GBM)

GBM is the most common type of primary brain tumour in adults, with 34 people diagnosed with a brain tumour every single day. Today, those diagnosed are given the same treatment and prognosis as those diagnosed with GBM 60 years ago. Every year, £700 million is spent on cancer research in the UK, yet less than 3% of that is spent on brain tumours.

In January 2024, Mary underwent the standard treatment of brain surgery, from which 95% of the tumour was removed. Despite this success, the remaining 5% will continue to grow if left untreated. Following her recovery from surgery, Mary completed 6 weeks of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy as the next stage of treatment. As of April 2024, she will participate in a clinical trial using a tumour-treating field device and higher-dose chemotherapy to prevent further cancer growth.

Mary has always lived a happy healthy and positive life, and as you can imagine, this diagnosis came as a life-changing shock to her family and loved ones. Mary faces a long and difficult journey ahead as she battles this horrible disease, which includes NHS provided treatment, as well as all our efforts at home to change Mary’s lifestyle to battle the cancer. We are raising money to increase the options open to Mary for alternative treatments not available under NHS care. Cancer is a disease that impacts most families across the globe, however we never could have imagined we would be in this position. In May 2024, Mary’s family and closest friends will be participating in the Tough Mudder Challenge as part of our fundraising efforts.

Any donations you could make would be incredibly appreciated – taking one step at a time, we can fight this battle