Local teacher launches fundraiser

A local secondary school teacher is embarking on a remarkable fundraising journey this January to support The Brain Tumour Charity.

Driven by personal experience, John Thurston, who teaches PE at Newtown High School will be completing 100 press-ups a day to raise vital funds for the world’s leading brain tumour research organization.

John’s son, Dougie, was diagnosed with a Medulloblastoma brain tumour in April 2021, just shy of his fifth birthday. What followed was a harrowing journey: a life-saving 13-hour surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, intensive proton radiotherapy in Germany, and nine months of chemotherapy back in Birmingham. Despite these challenges, Dougie, now eight years old, is thriving and halfway through his third year of post-treatment surveillance.

“This challenge is my way of giving back,” John explained. “The Brain Tumour Charity plays a crucial role in advancing research and providing support for families like ours. Their work gives hope to so many facing this devastating diagnosis.”

The Brain Tumour Charity is recognized for its commitment to finding new treatments, offering robust support systems, and driving innovative research. Donations from initiatives like John’s press-up challenge are instrumental in helping the organization improve survival rates and enhance the quality of life for patients and their families.

John’s determination to complete 3,100 press-ups in January is a testament to his resilience and dedication. “Every press-up is for Dougie and for every family going through this battle. A cure can’t wait,” he said.

To support John’s 100 press-ups a day challenge, visit his fundraising page at JustGiving by clicking here.