Brain tumours, Alpines and fundraising

I know some of you (Clee, Mr Faulks, Mr Monkey) were aware that my Dad was last year diagnosed with a grade IV glioma - a brain tumour. It's one of the most aggresive types there is, even more so than that which killed Richard Burns.

Back in July he suddenly collapsed with what was diagnosed at the time to be viral encephalitis. He was 'successfuly' treated with anti-virals and steroids, but approx 6 weeks later the diagnosis was changed following further MRIs which showed a shadow they then diagnosed as a glioblastoma multiform. (Brain tumours masquerading as encephalitis seems to happen in about 2-4% of cases)

He was treated in St Thomas's with radio and chemotherapy and was due to start the next stage of chemo when (about 13 days ago) he suffered a stroke brought on by the continued growth of the tumour damaging the blood supply to the brain.

On Thurs he was transferred from Pembury hospital to Hospice in the Weald for 'end of life care' and sadly passed away on Monday 8th April after 4 days at the hospice.

A few days previous I decided to take the GTA over on my visit and was immediately told how beautiful the car was by the ladies on the front desk. They run a lot of fundraising at the hospice to support their work - the Classic Car Rally being one of them.

They do amazing work - http://www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk/Our ... r-Services - but all their funding comes from donations and none from the state.

I'd already decided anyway to do the Rally before the old dears on the front desk had told me I should.

Well I'm in. It's 75 quid per car (assuming you have two people) and I can't think of a better charity. Yes I'm biased. Sadly we have a friend who died at home supported by their 'Hospice in the Home' programme again from a brain tumour, but this time aged 22 - that was almost 10 years ago so I've seen what they can do twice.

I said I'd ask the Club so if anyone else would care to come it'd be fantastic. Be nice to see a few Alps there and I know there's a few in the South East within range.

Just as a taster here's some info on last year - http://www.tunbridgewellslife.co.uk/eve ... -car-rally

I've yet to formally register my entry (bit busy with other arrangements at the moment) but will be doing so at some point soon.

Let me know if anyone's interested and I'll post up the link etc.

[BIG_MVS]

Sorry to hear of your sad loss Darren.

Looks like a good cause, I have been watching the series on BBC 2 about the brain tumour unit and the people that worked there. Amazing people who do so much.

Hope you get a good turnout and raise a few bob.

[mettersl]

Hi. Darren, definitely interested, looks fun and in a good cause.
Lee

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Looks good, I'll happily do it provide F50 is running... when is it, some time in June? Link to an entry form?

14th July - http://www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk/Fun ... -Car-Rally

I believe they're sending me some more info in the post.

Excellent cause Darren, condolences for your dad.

Dave

Hi Darren

Very sorry to hear of your loss.

Simon

My condolences Darren, i know too well what you are going thru, was in the same situation few years ago.

If car is ready i'll be there, sounds like a great event for a great cause that unfortunately pretty much every one can relate to

Cedric

Thanks Cedric, Si, Miles, Lee and everyone.

Yes sadly Cedric I fear it is. He was 65 and it perfect health when this came along seemingly out of no-where.

I'd like to see a few Alps there, they seem to have a pretty strong MG and Caterham mix last year from the photos - some French GRP needs to be in there too!

14 July is free for me. If MFaulks is there in F50, I Might bring the TR

Sorry to hear of your loss.

We just lost a 17 year old family friend to Leukemia and the hospice he was in was brilliant. They all do such good work with real sensitivity.

Its a fair way for me to come, but if I can make it with the GTA I will.

Nick

I Might bring the TR

I saw a red Testarossa going round the A3/M25 roundabout on Saturday on the way back from dropping a sensor off to Mr Faulks. Wasn't you was it?

[stephendell]

Hi Darren sorry to hear your news.

Would you like me to send a global email?

Thanks Stephen.

Yes that'd be great. It's a fair few months off yet, so there's time in hand to get cars up and running!

[mettersl]

Getting close now, has anyone entered?