Fab-ewe-lous fundraising for brain tumour research

After Nicki Hartwright’s mum received treatment and surgery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for her brain tumour, the family knew they wanted to raise some money in one of the most unique ways.

Owners of a farm in Herefordshire, the family decided to sell a shearling ewe at Worcester Livestock Market in August 2019 and donate all of the proceeds to The Giles’ Trust.

Nicki, who was at the forefront of the fundraising, said: “This is a charity close to our hearts as we’ve witnessed all too well how a brain tumour affects a patient and their family.

“All of the proceeds from the sale of the shearling ewe and other charity lots have gone to The Giles’ Trust who help current patients with brain tumours and those who will be diagnosed in the future.”

“I would like to say a huge heartfelt thank you from all of the Hartwright family for all of your help and support with the fundraising.”

The sale of the shearling ewe, other charity lots along with donations from friends and family raised an incredible £4,708.30 for The Giles’ Trust which will go towards brain tumour research within the hospital for more patients like Nicki’s mum.

Picture: Nicki Hartwright and Roisin Mooney, Events Fundraising Officer for QEHB Charity

The Giles’ Trust was set up by England cricketer Ashley Giles and his wife Stine after she was treated for brain tumours at QEHB. The pair wanted to raise money for research into brain tumours and so far the hospital charity has employed two brain tumour research nurses with money raised in almost five years.

Ismail Ughratdar, Consultant Neurosurgeon at QEHB, said: “I am delighted to say thank you to Nikki and her family on behalf of the neurosurgery team for the incredible fundraising they have done for The Giles’ Trust.

“Without your donations and the hospital charity we wouldn’t be able to research into brain tumours as much as we do, or have our two Research Nurses, Donna and Chris.”

Donna, the first Giles’ Trust Nurse who was employed two years ago, has now been taken on by the Trust and during her time in the role has opened up seven new brain tumour trials. The Charity has recently appointed the second Research Nurse, Chris, who will have the ability to manage even more trials in the upcoming years.

To find out more about The Giles’ Trust and how you can get involved with fundraising, please click here.