Two sisters are taking on a huge challenge in memory of their beloved dad who tragically passed away from a brain tumour.
Gill Conway, who lives in Shiremoor, North Tyneside, and her sister Sue Foster, who now lives in Hertfordshire, lost their father, Malcolm Jackson in June 2012 at the age of 73. He tragically passed away just 15 months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
The former headteacher was diagnosed with a frontal lobe glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) after suffering a seizure at his home near Carlisle, Cumbria. He underwent a debulking surgery followed by radiotherapy and although his initial treatment was successful, he declined quickly following the regrowth of his tumour.
Read more: Newcastle grandad horrified after being woken by police asking to see inside baby coffin
His two daughters are now preparing for a cycling challenge to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research in his memory. They will set off from Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast on Saturday (July 16) to begin a 170-mile journey towards South Shields on the North Sea coast following Hadrian's cycle route.
Sue, who is a transport planner for Hertfordshire County Council, said: "Dad was lucky enough to retire relatively early from teaching and enjoyed an active retirement. It’s just a shame he died when he did because I feel he had a lot more left to give."
The sisters' latest fundraiser follows a previous one in which they cycled 132 miles from Whitehaven to Tynemouth in a 2019 coast-to-coast challenge.
Sue said: "We had intended to do another challenge the following year but with Covid, it hasn’t been possible the last two summers. Although, with this year being the 10th anniversary of dad’s death and the 1900th anniversary of Hadrian’s Wall being built, it feels even more fitting to do this now."
As with their last challenge, the sisters will be joined by their cousin Colin Jackson, a finance director who will be raising money for Diabetes UK in his father’s memory. Sue said: "Our coast-to-coast ride was shorter but much hillier. Hadrian’s Cycleway is longer but much flatter and, as we’re not professional cyclists, we’re going to be spreading it out over three days, doing about 55 miles each day, give or take.
"We’re hoping it’ll be warm and dry because last time it was cool and wet but it is the north of England so we’re prepared for all eventualities. It’s definitely going to be a challenge cycling that distance for a few days in a row but knowing we’re doing it for such a good cause will get us through it."
GBM Awareness Week takes place in the UK from Monday (18 July). According to Brain Tumour Research, GBM is the most commonly diagnosed high-grade brain tumour in adults. It is fast-growing and the average survival time is just 12 to 18 months. Treatment options are extremely limited and there is no cure.
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: "Stories such as Malcolm’s are heart-breaking and particularly poignant as we approach GBM Awareness Week. To lose a loved one to a brain tumour is devastating and it’s terrible that, despite killing more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to the disease.
"We’re determined to change that but it’s only by working together that we will find a cure. We’re extremely grateful for Sue and Gill’s support and wish them the best of luck with their cycle challenge."
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and the larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.
The charity is the driving force behind the call for a national annual spend of £35m in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia and is also campaigning for greater repurposing of drugs. To support Sue and Gill’s fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hadrianscycle22.
Read next:
- Funeral details of Dec's brother Father Dermott Donnelly have been announced
- Happy Mondays' Paul Ryder dies ahead of Sunderland gig at Kubix festival as band pull out
- South Shields son poured boiling water mixed with sugar on his mum over childhood grudge
- South Tyneside couple inspire prostate cancer memorial in Newcastle's Eldon Square
- The most southerly village on the Northumberland Coast with a picturesque harbour and a mermaid
