Family raising cash in memory of beloved dad
THE family and friends of a Whitley Bay dad who died from a brain tumour are continuing to fundraise for research into the devastating disease.
Lee Patterson, who was head of Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College in Wallsend, died in November 2020, just seven weeks after being diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme ( GBM) brain tumour.
Dad-of-three Lee, who lived with his wife Kathy in Whitley Bay, was 51 when he lost his life, leaving Kathy and their three sons William, 25, Thomas, 23 and Michael, 22, heart-broken.
Kathy, a higher level teaching assistant at Whitley Lodge First School in Whitley Bay, said: “We couldn’t believe it when Lee got his diagnosis. He was a very fit 51-year-old man. He ate healthily, didn’t smoke and only drank socially. He wasn’t overweight; he ran, cycled and went to the gym. He was always out walking and looked after himself.”
The family have already raised over £20,000 for Brain Tumour Research, and they are determined to raise awareness of the devastating disease. On Friday, Kathy, her colleagues and pupils took part in Wear A Hat Day with Flowers to spread awareness.
Kathy said: “When we lost Lee, my world fell apart. My friends and work colleagues have been very supportive and have helped me piece my life back together. They continue to support me every day and are keen to join in any fundraising events. We were raising money at the school on Friday to keep spreading awareness. Brain tumours are so indiscriminate that we know people in our local area who are also affected. From one person releasing their story, the number of people who have come to me and said ‘My brother died of the same thing, my sister-in-law had the same.’ It’s scary how widespread it is...It’s so important to raise funds for vital research into this devastating disease. It is so cruel and indiscriminate. If we can help in any small way then we are delighted to do so, as every donation makes a difference.”
Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK singularly focused on finding a cure for brain tumours through campaigning. It is also fundraising to create a sustainable network of brain tumour research centres in the UK.
Kathy continues: “We choose to support Brain Tumour Research because it’s about trying to find out what causes it all.”
Kathy’s family, friends and colleagues have helped her and her sons fundraise for the charity by taking part in events across the region and further. Kathy has said local people have been so moved by Lee’s story they are also taking part in events, such as Graeme Sands who ran the Brighton Marathon in April to raise vital funds for the Brain Tumour Research charity.
Kathy’s son, William Patterson, an aircraft mechanic at Manchester Airport, will abseil down the Trafford Centre Barton Tower in Manchester on 25 June.
He said: “Dad’s diagnosis was such a shock. Being told he had a brain tumour that he wouldn’t survive was the worst thing I’ve ever gone through.
“The feeling of total helplessness really hurt. If I can help to make a difference, then this challenge is worth it. I drive past the Trafford Centre to work every day so it will be great to be able to say that I’ve been down it for Dad.”