It has been over two years since we were last able to organising a fund-raising dog walk for brain tumour awareness month. Dogs and their owners are invited to join Derek Thomas MP on Saturday 26th March at 1pm in Wharfside Car Park, Penzance to walk along Long Rock (or as far as they can go), to raise funds and awareness of brain tumours.
Brain tumours are a devastating form of cancer that can affect anyone at any age. Scientists still do not know what causes them, or what the risk factors are. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. Approximately 16,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in the UK every year and there are estimated to be over 60,000 people living with a brain tumour. Historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours, although research funding is increasing and the Dame Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission Centres of Excellence have been established.
National Brain Tumour Awareness Month was launched in 2004 by a group of charities which went on to become founding members of Brain Tumour Research. This March is an annual, nationwide opportunity to bring greater attention to brain tumours and the devastating impact they have on many thousands of families in the UK every year.
Derek is chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours. APPGs are groups of MPs and peers from across the political spectrum who have a particular interest in a subject. The APPG on Brain Tumours are campaigning for increased research of brain tumours and improved treatment, taking evidence from campaigners, patients and scientists.
The Great Western Dog Walks for brain tumour awareness were an annual tradition before the pandemic. The last dog walk raised over £500 for brain tumour research. This year’s dog walk is raising money for research into brain tumours and for support for families who are living with brain tumours.
Ginny Brink, Support Services Manager for Brain Tumour Support, says:
“Brain Tumour Support are delighted to be part of this special Brain Tumour Awareness Month dog walk.
“There's certainly a unique bond formed with dogs, which we've seen on many occasions. They're very special companions and can provide important support for someone facing the traumatic experience of brain tumour diagnosis and treatment.
“So as well as being a wonderful, fun event, the dog walk is also a very appropriate way to raise awareness and vital funds.
“We're extremely grateful to Derek Thomas MP for continuing to champion our cause, both in Westminster and beyond, and we know just how much that means to the many brain tumour patients and families we support throughout Cornwall.”
Derek says:
“I am looking forward to this dog walk which is great for meeting with so many people who share an interest in beating brain tumours and raising money for vital research and support.
“Brain Tumour Awareness Month is so important because so many people aren’t aware of this horrible form of cancer.
“Anything we can do to raise awareness – and the funds needed for research and care – is going to help in the battle against brain tumours.”
