Story
As many of you know Brett died aged 11 this April from a brain tumour. First diagnosed aged 2, he had the tumour removed and then endured 11 months of intense chemotherapy. After this, he led a tumour free life for the next 6 years. He was however left as most children with the scars of treatment both physically and psychologically. But, the tumour returned in 2015, this again was surgically removed and we went to the USA for proton radiation treatment. When we came back he was given the all-clear. Unfortunately, in 2016 we were given the bad news his tumour had returned, we were given the option to go home and do nothing or they could offer chemotherapy or radiotherapy to prolong his life. He was now classed as terminal. We opted for radiotherapy as the previous chemotherapy was so severe the last time that we nearly lost him to an infection. Brett had 33 radiotherapy treatments based in Leeds. He managed really well and the results from the radiotherapy showed promise for a short while. After a few months, Brett started to become ill with flu-like symptoms and this turned out to be a spread of cancer throughout his brain and spine. We were told to go home and concentrate on our time with him and that's what we did. Brett loved life and was so brave never once complaining. The loss of Brett has hit everyone that knew him hard and our lives will never be the same. His family and friends are doing the 10k Night Shine Walk in York this October to raise money for Cancer Research UK in memory of Brett. 9400 people are diagnosed with brain tumours every year in the UK with only 19% surviving the disease 5+ years. Cancer Research UK has helped double the chances of survival in the last 40 years. The money we raise will improve treatments for others and hopefully ultimately find a cure for cancer. Any donations no matter how small would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Team Brett xxx