Parents’ memorial to son at centre that is aiming for a cure
A COUPLE from Burton-on-the-Wolds marked the fourth anniversary of the loss of their only son to a brain tumour by placing a memorial in his memory at a research centre where scientists are focused on finding a cure for the disease.
Eileen and Terry Smith, travelled to London to visit the research centre at Imperial College where the charity Brain Tumour Research funds a research centre.
They had the opportunity to speak to leading neurosurgeon, Mr Kevin O’Neill, as well as research scientists about their work to find a cure, before placing a tile on the Wall of Hope in memory of their son Michael.
Michael, a keen supporter of the Leicester Tigers and a former Loughborough Grammar School pupil, passed away at the age of 27, having been diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour three years earlier.
Eileen said: “It has been a very difficult week with the anniversary of Michael’s loss on November 26, but we are trying to focus on the fact that Michael was such a lover of life and so fun-loving.
“He brought such joy to our lives and our memories of him will never fade.
“To date, with the most amazing support from friends and family, we have raised more than £60,000 for Brain Tumour Research to find a cure for the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40.”
The tile placed by Michael’s parents represents the £2,740 it costs to fund a day of research and celebrates the fund-raising achievements of the family.
Michael Thelwall, head of community fund-raising manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We are very grateful to Eileen and Terry for their amazing support and for helping to raise awareness.”