Durham mum fundraising for brain tumour charity in support of her son
Brain Tumour Research’s 10,000 Steps a Day Challenge raised nearly £1 million in 2021.
Aston is the inspiration for Karen's challenge. Pic: Brain Tumour Research
Submitted by Mark Bosworth
A local mum is now halfway through her charity challenge, which she is completing after her 11-year-old son was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Karen Bush, from Chester-le-Street, Durham is walking 10,000 steps every day in February to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.
Karen said: "It's so important for me to raise money for Brain Tumour Research so that more can be known about the tumours and their causes.
"I didn't recognise the symptoms at first and Aston's GPs didn't either.
"It's vital that more research can be done into this devastating disease."
In January 2013, Aston had an emergency MRI scan at University Hospital of North Durham after being sick.
The scan revealed a brain tumour and Aston was immediately taken to Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
Surgeons removed 90% of the tumour, but were unable take a small amount of residue which was attached to the brainstem.
In October 2020, a routine scan showed the tumour had once again returned.
The surgeon told Karen that the tumour was growing in an ‘awkward’ direction, and advised against surgery.
Instead, Aston underwent chemotherapy for a year, starting in January 2021.
Karen said: “Aston did so well with the chemotherapy and he’s doing great.
"He started secondary school in September and he’s a changed boy. It’s been the making of him.
"Unfortunately, Aston’s latest scan has revealed the tumour has grown again.
"We have to wait to find out the next step, but it’s either going to be a new drug trial, or proton beam therapy."
Matthew Price, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re really grateful to Karen for taking on this challenge.
"It’s only with the support of people like her that we’re able to progress our research and improve the outcome for patients.
“The best part of the 10,000 Steps a Day in February Challenge is that you can fit your steps in with your everyday life.
"That could be having a coffee and catching up with friends at your local park, walking your commute or school run instead of driving, getting off the bus a few stops earlier or walking around your house whilst on the phone.”
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK.
To donate to Karen’s 10,000 Steps a Day fundraiser click here.
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