“When diagnosed with cancer, don’t think about the things you can’t do, dream and do the things you can” Ian Meek 2011

Ian Meek was born in Yate (near Bristol) and was 42 when he died from the brain tumour that had lived in his head for almost 20 years; it had slowly taken away his ability to think, move, see, hear, feed himself – but it also inspired him to incredible things. He inspired other people with cancer, lobbied parliament and raised over £110k to help fund brain tumour research at Leeds University. Ian knew that he would not benefit from the research – it was too late for him – but he wanted to help other people in the future benefit. He left behind his wife, his 3 children and his loving parents. 

For all the work he did he became an Olympic torchbearer in 2012. 

1 in 50 people under 60 who die in the UK die of a brain tumour – yet only 1% of cancer research funding is on brain tumours. Unlike most other cancers, incidences and deaths from brain tumours are increasing (and are much more common now than in 1970). With increased research funding the breakthroughs achieved in the treatment of other cancers can be replicated with brain tumour research. 

I grew up in the same road as Ian. We went to the same schools. For a year or so we shared lifts into work in Bristol. Ian was a friendly person with a dry and subtle sense of humour – a good bloke. 

On 28^th September I am doing a 100 mile cycle ride on behalf of “Meek’s feats.” Please sponsor me to help Ian’s legacy continue. The money raised will help fund brain tumour research.

For more information please see the following links:

http://btrs.winweb.com/support-us/charity-funds/ian-meek/ 

http://meeksfeats.org.uk/?page_id=12

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to Brain Tumour Research and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thanks

Neil

 PS For the eagle eyed amongst you the course is officially 100km. Originally there was also a 100 mile event which I signed up to do for Ian. I have trained for the 100 mile event and will be cycling 100 miles that day. The other 40 miles I will do myself, without any “Meek’s Feats” branding and at my own risk.