How the community is rallying round to support dad Craig Dunn as he battles brain tumour

A dad determined to find a medical trial which could potentially cure him of a terminal brain tumour has received a huge wave of support.

Despite his heartbreaking diagnosis, Sunderland-born Craig Dunn, who lives in South Shields with wife Nabela, and their daughter Serena, three, says he won’t give up and has been bravely sharing his story far and wide in the hope there may a specialist or researcher out there who can help.

The 35-year-old was first diagnosed with medulloblastoma - a rare and aggressive brain tumour - in May 2025 after experiencing severe headaches.

He underwent emergency surgery to remove the mass at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), in Newcastle, before undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the Freeman Hospital.

Life had returned almost to normal, albeit living with the side effects of radiotherapy, with Craig in remission and attending regular check ups - only to be given the heartbreaking news in May of this year that the tumour had returned, with it expected to keep doing so.

Tens of thousands of people have been touched by his story, donating money to help Craig and his young family make memories together.

Craig was a well-known face on the Sunderland clubbing scene in his younger years and a former club night has been reborn to raise funds for the cause.

You can donate to the Go Fund Me here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-craig-nabela-and-serena

The Return of Re:Session charity night takes place at Elysium nightclub in Green Terrace on Saturday, July 25.

Hundreds of local businesses, sports clubs and community members have rallied round to donate prizes for a raffle and auction, with all proceeds going to Craig’s family.

Event organiser Jamiee Rose Gibb said: “Following Craig’s devastating cancer diagnosis, we wanted to create an evening that would not only raise vital funds, but also bring people together to show Craig and his family just how much love and support surrounds them.

“The event is a revival of Re:Session, a night that holds many special memories for so many people across Sunderland, and we felt there was no better way to bring the community together than by bringing it back for one night only — with a very special purpose. “

She added: “The response from people wanting to help has been truly overwhelming. From prize donations to offers of support, the kindness and generosity shown so far is a reminder of what makes our local community so special.

“This event is about more than just fundraising — it is about creating a night Craig, his family, and everyone involved will remember.

“It is about standing together, showing support and helping create precious memories for the future. I would love to encourage everyone, whether you know Craig personally or not, to come along and be part of this special evening.

“Every ticket bought, every raffle ticket purchased and every donation made will make a real difference. Every single penny raised will go towards supporting Craig and his family.”

*The Return of Re:Session takes place on Saturday, July 25 at Elysium from 9.30pm. Tickets are £6 and includes a strip of raffle tickets on entry.