Stourbridge fundraisers back Wolverhampton brain tumour research

Popular painter and decorator Neil Gordon died, aged 45, in 2007 following a long battle with a recurring brain tumour. But on 14 December his parents, Peter and Mary, together with Neil's Appeal [1] organiser Cassie Robinson, presented Brain Tumour UK's Neuro-oncology Research Centre with £9,000 to fund ground-breaking research into the disease.

Family and friends of Mr Gordon raised the funds for ongoing work at the Research Centre with a family fun day at Stourbridge Rugby Club. Ms Robinson explained: “The weather for our fun day couldn’t have been worse, but it didn’t dampen our spirits. Comedienne Josie Lawrence was our special guest and she helped to ensure that everyone had a wonderful time in memory of our much-loved friend.”

Professor John Darling, Dean of the School of Applied Sciences [2] and a leading specialist in chemotherapy for brain tumours welcomed the funds on behalf of national charity Brain Tumour UK [3]. “Ongoing funding for our work, raised by caring people from across the UK, is making a real difference to brain tumour research,” he explains.

“Our expanding team is investigating both childhood and adult tumours in collaboration with scientists across the world. The bottom line is that increased funding increases the chances of finding new treatments sooner – and they are desperately needed.”

“Research is extremely important,” agrees Ms Robinson. “I did a lot of reading around on the subject and was shocked by how few treatments were available for brain tumours. I didn’t feel that my friend Neil had enough options and that’s why I wanted to make a difference. Brain Tumour UK has a great team behind it and really does make a difference, both in supporting people today and researching treatments for the future.”

Mr Gordon's parents, Mary and Peter Gordon, also joined the lab tour and paid tribute to the people of Stourbridge who backed the fun day, saying: "We would like to thank everyone who so generously supported Neil's Appeal and helped make a difference."

Brain Tumour UK has been funding research at Wolverhampton for more than three years. Researchers are testing new molecules to treat malignant brain tumours, investigating how non-malignant tumours become cancerous and identifying the genetic causes of childhood brain tumours.

Further information

For further information please contact:

Trevor Lawson, Head of Communications at Brain Tumour UK on 07976 262388.

Notes to editors:

1. Popular Stourbridge painter and decorator Neil Gordon died, aged 45, in 2007 following a long battle with a recurring brain tumour. His death left a big whole in the lives of all that knew him. The Neil's Appeal fun day was a fitting tribute to a lovely man who was well loved and is sadly missed.

2. The School of Applied Sciences (SAS) at the University of Wolverhampton has an excellent national and international reputation for providing high-quality, flexible teaching in all its subject areas, providing practical working knowledge for a wide range of careers.

3. Brain Tumour UK is the leading, caring charity committed to fighting brain tumours. Our personalised support is available online, on the phone, by email and through friendly support groups. Our scientific research improves the quality of life for brain tumour patients and identifies better treatments. We raise awareness to change things for the better, for everyone affected by a brain tumour.

Picture details:

Image 1 - Professor John Darling receives a cheque for £9,000 from Cassie Robinson, and Peter and Mary Gordon.

Image 2 - Professor John Darling demonstrates to Mary and Peter Gordon, and Cassie Robinson, how new chemotherapy molecules are mixed, ready for testing on brain tumour cells in the lab.