A family of fundraisers has successfully completed the Great North Run in support of the Brain Tumour Research charity.
Following the brain tumour deaths of Michael and Richard Jeffery from Workington, relatives have raised money for research into the disease by taking on the world’s largest half marathon. Team Jeffery, which is made up of Adam Jeffery, Michael and Richard’s nephew nieces Annabelle and Catherine Porter, and family friend, Liam Irving, raised over £3,000 through their challenge.
Richard Jeffery died from a highly aggressive and incurable brain tumour, a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), in 1991 at the age of 25. His brother, Michael, was then diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2016, 25 years on from his brother’s death.
Michael, who worked at Sellafield Ltd. in Cumbria, suffered from a mini seizure which was suspected to be a stroke. After months of hospital appointments, Michael was diagnosed with an astrocytoma and underwent radiotherapy. The treatment was unsuccessful and Michael deteriorated and died 18 months later, in December 2017.
Annabelle, 26, who also works at Sellafield, said: “We are so happy to have completed the Great North Run and I’m proud that we have taken on this challenge as a family.
“What happened to Michael and Richard will always be a source of sadness for our family but our loss has brought us closer together and motivated us to help bring about change. We’ve raised £3,130 so far but we hope we can add to that in the days to come.”
Team Jeffery were among thousands of runners taking part in the event on Sunday 9th September. A team of 42 ran to raise money for Brain Tumour Research which funds dedicated UK Centres of Excellence where scientists are focused on improving outcomes for patients and, ultimately, finding a cure.
Andrea Pankiw, Community Fundraising Manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.
“We are so grateful for the support of Team Jeffery and congratulate them on completing the event. Together we will find a cure.”
To sponsor Team Jeffery, please go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teamjeffery2018
