Emily Nightingale, 32, from Wellingborough, is hosting a quiz based around the number 60 on Saturday (10 May) at St Mark’s Church, in aid of Brain Tumour Research, eight years after her dad, Andrew died of an aggressive brain tumour.
The avid Luton Town Football Club fan, who should be celebrating a milestone birthday on Monday (12 May) died age 52, less than a year after he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour after tremors in his arm gradually took over one side of his body.
Andrew who lived in Irchester, had surgery to debulk the tumour and soon after, he was placed on palliative care after suffering severe infections as a result of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment.
Emily, a sales representative, said: “The deterioration of Dad’s health was quick. I can count on one hand the days where dad wasn’t in hospital during his brain tumour treatment. The side effects of his treatment were too much for what his body could handle.”
“I didn’t know much about brain tumours before Dad was diagnosed but what I know now is that often when the diagnosis is aggressive, any treatment is to try and slow down rate the tumour grows. Dad also had epilepsy from a young age and underlying health conditions. If we are to understand the complexity of brain tumours, there must be great investment in research into the disease.”
Emily has already raised hundreds of pounds for the charity. Last year, she took part in 10,000 Steps a Day in February.
She added: “It’s a family effort this time round. My brother is writing the quiz questions which will incorporate events from the last 60 years. It will be a night to remember Dad and we’ll raise a glass of pineapple and lemonade, his favourite drink, all whilst raising awareness of brain tumours and making a positive impact for the community affected by the disease.”
Brain tumours kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Andrew’s story is a reminder that brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age. There must be investment in research into brain tumours if we are to find less invasive and life-saving treatments for brain tumour patients. With the generosity of people such as Emily and her family, giving their time to plan and host an event to not only remember Andrew, but raise money and awareness for the charity, we are closer to finding a cure for all types of brain tumours.”
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure. The charity is the driving force behind the call for a national annual spend of £35 million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia.
To donate to Brain Tumour Research via Emily’s quiz night in memory of her dad, visit: justgiving.com/page/andrew-nightingales-60th
2. Contributed
Second anniversary of Andrew's diagnosis, son James, daughter Emily and Emily's nephew Arthur Photo: Submitted
