Sunderland sisters step out to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research

After the death of Lorna Atkinson from East Herrington two years ago, her daughters Lisa Atkinson and Louise Bircham set about raising research funds for the disease that claimed her life.

Now their charitable group, The Lorn’s Legacy, which has raised £9,000 to date, will raise more vital funds for Brain Tumour Research when they host their third 5k run in Saltwell Park, Gateshead, on March 24.

It’s being held ahead of Brain Tumour Research’s annual Wear A Hat Day, on March 29, to raise awareness of the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40. To mark the event, Lisa and Louise are asking runners and their families and friends to come to the park’s café after the run wearing green, Lorna’s favourite colour, as well as hats to make donations to the cause.

Lisa, 36, who is from Sunderland, but now lives in Gateshead, explained: “Every year more than 16,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in the UK, and this cause is very close to my heart, having lost my beloved mam.

“More research is vital if we are to understand what causes different types of brain tumour, and importantly find a cure for this devastating disease.

“It would be fantastic if as many people as possible could come along on March 24th to support our fundraising for Brain Tumour Research in memory of Lorna. We desperately want to help scientists find more effective treatments and ultimately a cure so that other families don’t have to go through what we have.”

Lorna died on March 25, 2016, 18 months after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour, despite surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

Brain Tumour Research funds a network of Centres of Excellence, where scientists are focused on improving outcomes for the many thousands of families affected by a brain tumour diagnosis every year, and, ultimately finding a cure.

Wear A Hat Day has raised over a million pounds since it was launched by the charity Brain Tumour Research nine years ago and is the culmination of Brain Tumour Awareness Month in March. The big day will see schools, workplaces, families and individuals across the UK fundraising and taking part in fun events to raise awareness of brain tumours and help fund life-saving research.

•To get involved, or donate, visit: www.wearahatday.org Or text HAT to 70660 to donate £5. Texts cost £5 plus network charge. Brain Tumour Research receives 100% of your donation. Obtain the bill payer’s permission. Call 01908 867200 with any queries.

•To donate to The Lorn’s Legacy go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/theLornsLegacy