Thank you for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page. Our challenge will be climbing Mount Snowdon in Wales on 29 July in memory of the beautiful Michael Sockolov and to raise funds for the Brain Tumour Research Charity. We’re excited but also nervous!

We have set an ambitious target of £2,740 which will allow us to create a tile on the Wall of Hope at the Queen Mary University of London Centre of Excellence.

Liorah’s Story

I have set up this page in honour of my beautiful father who was taken from us in April 2022 due to a high grade 4 Glioblastoma.  

My father, Michael, was an extremely active and healthy man.  In late July 2021, he was suffering with the signs that come with a stroke, this included speech difficulties and a drooped mouth.  No signs of headaches which is usually the most common with glioblastoma.  We immediately assumed that this was a haemorrhagic stroke as did the hospital, the symptoms eventually become worse and he was admitted into Queens Hospital, Romford, where they discovered a brain tumour, this was later diagnosed as a dreaded Glioblastoma, in the highest grade.

Hearing those words escape the nurses mouth gave me the worst pain I have ever experienced in my life, I knew that this was the most devastating news that we could both receive.  Despite this diagnosis I was determined to find whatever treatment I could, unfortunately, this is where brain tumour research struggles.  Treatment options are extremely limited and chemotherapy/radiation only buys you a few months.  I tried to apply my father for clinical trials in London to be told that only 3% of patients can enrol, as you have to have a certain genetic mutation.  Every alternative treatment was tried which included certain medications and diets, all of these I hope bought us time together.  

Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age. What’s more, they kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer... yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.  The Brain Tumour Research Charity is the only national charity in the UK focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours through campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK. 

Anyone who knows me personally knows that my dad was my entire world and more, I want to endure this challenge for him and for others who need support throughout this heart-breaking journey.  

I love you Daddy x

Liorah