Will Alexander from Gillingham is in the running for Young Fundraiser of the Year at The Brain Tumour Charity’s upcoming community awards ceremony, Celebrating You 2023.

Will, who is aged eleven and attends Gillingham School, was inspired to support The Brain Tumour Charity’s work because he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2020, and wanted to help find a cure for others like him.

He was shortlisted because of his fundraising efforts whilst learning to walk again; Will did a sponsored walk at North Dorset Rugby Club in 2022 and raised over £10,000 while overcoming fatigue and physical disabilities.

Will says: ‘I was so shocked and surprised when I found out I’d been shortlisted. I’m looking forward to meeting other brave brain tumour fighters at the award ceremony.’

And speaking about his recovery Will says: ‘I’m getting stronger all the time. It’s been hard learning to do things again but I feel like I’ve come such a long way.

‘What brain tumours can do to people is horrible and that is why I wanted to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity. I’m planning on doing a sponsored swim next. I suffer with fatigue following my surgery and treatment so this will be a big challenge for me!’

His mum Leah adds: ‘I’m very proud of Will and how he continues to work hard with his walking and physiotherapy. We’re all looking forward to meeting lots of other brain tumour warriors and their families at the award ceremony and hearing their stories of their fundraising for such a vital cause.’

The Brain Tumour Charity is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to fighting this devastating disease by funding pioneering research, life-changing support services and raising awareness of the common signs and symptoms.

Its Celebrating You awards, taking place 4 April at the prestigious Business Design Centre in Islington, London, are its chance to give something back to the inspiring people who have gone above and beyond to make a difference to the lives of those affected by a brain tumour.

Graham Norton, The Brain Tumour Charity’s Interim CEO said: ‘We’re extremely grateful for all the efforts made by our supporters and our Celebrating You awards are our way of giving back to our community.

‘Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and young people under the age 40 but, unlike other cancers, survival rates have not significantly improved over the last 40 years. We’re leading the way in changing this and truly fighting brain tumours on all fronts through our work.

‘However, we simply can’t do this alone and it’s only through the efforts of people like Will that we can work towards changing these shocking statistics and bring hope to the thousands of people diagnosed with a brain tumour every year.’

The Brain Tumour Charity is the UK’s largest dedicated brain tumour charity, committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts. It funds pioneering research to increase survival and improve treatment options as well as raising awareness of the symptoms and effects of brain tumours to bring about earlier diagnosis.

The charity also provides support for everyone affected so that they can live as full a life as possible, with the best quality of life.

Find out more at www.thebraintumourcharity.org