UB40 legend Brian Travers lends support to The Giles’ Trust
Brian Travers, saxophonist for the iconic Birmingham reggae band UB40, is raising money to support The Giles’ Trust following his own diagnosis with brain tumours.
In March 2019, Brian announced that he had been diagnosed with brain tumours, and has since undergone surgery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, where he will continue to receive treatment.
The legendary musician has been under the care of Ismail Ughratdar, Ish, who has recently starred in the BBC Two programme Surgeons: At the Edge of Life.
Speaking of the care that he has received at the hospital, Brian said: “The care has been incredible. Ish and the team have helped me so much and I’m in awe of what they do. I believe in giving back, and I want to raise lots of money to help support The Giles’ Trust.”
The Giles’ Trust was set up by England cricketer Ashley Giles, and his wife Stine, after she was treated for brain tumours on two separate occasions at QEHB. The Giles’ Trust funds research and equipment, and has helped to put the hospital on the cutting edge of brain tumour research.
Brian has announced that he will be holding a fundraising lunch, on 12 July at Malmaison in Birmingham to raise money for The Giles’ Trust. He said: “It will be a fantastic day, I hope that it will raise lots of money to help Ish and the team to buy new pieces of equipment that could make a massive difference.”
Brain tumours are the most common cancer-killer in people under 40, but compared to other cancers have not received the funding needed to better understand them.
Cathryn Worth, Fundraising Manager for QEHB Charity, said: “It is wonderful that Brian is raising money for The Giles’ Trust. We are all looking forward to his fundraising lunch which will be a great chance to hear about Brian’s life and music, and his love of art.”
Tickets for this event are £50 per person, and includes a three course lunch, a welcome drink and an after lunch chat with Brian, including a Q&A led by Graham Young. Get your tickets here.