MAYOR of Pershore Coun Matthew Winfield will be striding out this weekend to raise cash for the Brain Tumour Research charity.
Pershore’s first citizen has dedicated a year of fund-raising to the charity after the death of town resident from a glioblastoma in April 2021 at the age of 71.
Rob Faulkner, who was married to childhood sweetheart Lesley, and had two children and four grandchildren, was diagnosed after experiencing spells of confusion and suffering a fall at his home in Pershore. A CT scan at Worcestershire Royal Hospital revealed a large mass on his brain.
The tumour was deemed inoperable, and Rob died two weeks after he and wife Lesley celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
“The renewal of our vows and wedding blessing took place at Pershore Abbey and it was bittersweet because we knew the next time we would be there would be for Rob’s funeral,” Lesley said.
Since her husband’s death, Lesley has raised more than £1,500 and Pershore residents are invited to help raise even more charity cash with the Walk of Hope tomorrow (Saturday).
The 4.6 mile walk will kick off from Pershore Abbey and is suitable for all ages and abilities.
Coun Winfield said: “I chose Brain Tumour Research for two reasons. Firstly, because I was moved by the personal story of Mrs Faulkner after losing her husband Rob, a fellow Perschorian. Secondly, because the cause does not receive the support I believe it warrants: in the UK, 16,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year, yet historically just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours.”
“I love walking, and we are spoilt for choice around Pershore: with the beautiful built environment, incorporating the Benedictine Abbey and Georgian streets, its unspoilt riparian footpaths, its ancient woodland and bucolic pastures. Pershore boasts a varied itinerary with spectacular views of the Bredon and Malvern Hills, as well as the wider Vale of Evesham,” he added.
Visit www.braintumourresearch.org/fundraise/take-on-a-challenge/event/2022/09/24/take-on-the-challenge/pershore-walk-of-hope or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mayorofpershore?newPage=True for more.
