Ria Melvin, who graduated with a first class BSc Hons degree in sports management, was diagnosed aged 23 in December 2018 with a glioblastoma (GBM), which has an average survival prognosis of 12 to 18 months. Ria underwent surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy treatment in Germany, but nothing could save her and she passed away aged 25.

Shocked at the lack of options available to brain tumour patients, Ria worked with the charity Brain Tumour Research while undergoing treatment to campaign for change, including communicating with her local MP Alex Burghart, who was then one of the Prime Ministers private parliamentary secretaries.

During her brain tumour journey, Ria carried out selfless work, campaigning and raising awareness of brain tumours. She wanted better outcomes for people living with this devastating diagnosis and so do her loved ones who are only too aware of the inequality that a brain tumour patient faces compared with those with other cancers.

This Fundraising Group has been set up by Ria's family to continue her legacy and to raise vital funds in her name. Raising4Ria will help to keep Rias memory alive and help to channel the grief of all who mourn her into something positive to improve the lives of others living with a brain tumour diagnosis. The sloth logo is a tribute to her self-confessed spirit animal and favourite colour purple.