A family has raised over £10,000 in memory of her husband, who passed away due to an aggressive brain tumour.
Alison Lilley launched John's Crew's, a fundraising group in memory of her late husband, John, who succumbed to a glioblastoma brain tumour in May 2023 at the age of 61.
On Wednesday, July 10, Alison, their son Daniel, from Worcester, and his wife Tilini visited the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at Queen Mary University of London.
They were shown how their fundraising efforts are supporting scientists leading in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) research.
The group was also given the opportunity to place two commemorative tiles on the Wall of Hope in honour of John.
Having been diagnosed following a seizure, Mr Lilley underwent surgery and chemotherapy, but eventually lost his battle when the tumour returned.
In his memory, the family have organised charity events and challenges including a Walk of Hope, a firewalk, and even an abseil.
In addition, the couple's niece, Gracie Kelly, participated in a Jump for Hope skydive last month at Bristol Airport.
The group, which includes Mrs Lilley's adult children, has so far raised over £12,600 for the Brain Tumour Research charity, in the hope of funding a cure for the devastating disease.
She said: "John was the best husband.
"We had 40 happy years together, 38 as a married couple.
"John’s plan was to retire at the age of 60 so that we could go on a world cruise – instead he was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour."
Mrs Lilley said: "Setting up John’s Crew with my daughter Charlotte has allowed us to focus on trying to make a difference for people diagnosed with brain tumours in the future – tragically they devastate too many families."
Daniel said: "Sadly, it’s too late for Dad, but I hope the money we’ve donated is life-changing.
"It is heartening to hear from the scientists about the work being done in their quest to find a cure, which can’t come soon enough."
Multiple fundraising efforts have also come from Daniel's workplace, the Walsall-based RAC, which has chosen Brain Tumour Research as its Charity of the Year.
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