The Michael Barry Fund

Raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity in memory of Michael Barry.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, yet receive less than 2% of the cancer research funding in the UK and survival times have improved little over the past 40 years. Please help me to raise funds for vital research so that we can fight for a future where no more bright young lives like my incredible husband Michael are lost to this cruel disease.

In January 2014, our world was turned upside down when Michael was rushed to hospital after having a seizure and following a number of scans we were given the devastating news that he had a brain tumour. He bravely faced two rounds of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but ultimately his condition could not be cured and became more aggressive. He died at home in February 2016, just a few weeks after his 35th birthday.

The bravery and courage Michael showed throughout his illness was truly inspirational, and I am so proud of my incredible husband. He faced each new treatment with a spring in his step, refusing to let his illness define him or to believe any reality other than that he would get better and live out our dreams together. To watch Michael face each day with such positivity and strength of character, and then be told there was nothing more we could do to save him, was simply devastating.

I want there to be a future where no more lives are lost to this cruel disease, and so I am committing to fundraising for The Brain Tumour Charity through The Michael Barry Fund in the hope that there might one day be a cure. Initially, any funds raised for The Michael Barry Fund will be used by The Brain Tumour Charity for its general charitable purposes which include funding vital research, raising awareness and providing support. If we can raise £10,000, any future funds will be designated solely towards funding for High Grade Tumour Research to help improve the way tumours are diagnosed and treated, and to hopefully one day find a cure.

-- Lucy Barry