A Wiltshire College & University Centre staff member is taking on a 25km challenge to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity and is looking to raise £25,000 in the process.
Gavin Burden works as an Academic Support Coach at WCUC’s Salisbury campus and has lived with an irremovable tumour for the past 28 years.
Gavin lost 75 per cent of his vision during surgery in 1995 and had to learn to walk again.
With his 50th birthday coming this year, Gavin plans to celebrate by raising funds for The Brain Tumour Charity and will take part in the Thames Bridge Trek in September.
The challenge sees walkers trek 25km across London, crossing 16 historic bridges along the way.
Gavin and fellow brain tumour survivor Louise Worthington have already signed up to take part, and the pair are looking for 48 more people to join them and participate as a group of 50. If each person can then raise £500, it will achieve the target total of £25,000.
Gavin said: “When I was diagnosed there really was nothing around. Social media was years away from being part of our lives. Mobile phones had only just come out. I’ve seen the charity on TV and in the press and always liked what they have done in raising awareness and vital funds to fund research.
“I really want to try and get involved and be a part of this journey, and I know I have so much to offer in so many ways. I want to shout about living with this tumour for almost 28 years. At the same time, I am very conscious and respectful of those whose situations are sadly not the same as mine.”
Anyone interested in taking part alongside Gavin and Louise can email loungav25kwalk@gmail.com.
Anyone looking to donate The Brain Tumour Charity can do so through the pair's Just Giving page here.
