Thank you for visiting our page. Our son, Alec, was a gorgeous nine year old who made the most of every day until passing away peacefully in January 2008 from an inoperable brain tumour. This page unites the events that his family and friends have chosen to dedicate to the inspiration of his courage, humour and smile.
Alec was a gorgeous nine year old who made the most of every day until passing away peacefully in January 2008 from an inoperable brain tumour. This page unites the events that his family and friends have chosen to dedicate to the inspiration of his courage, humour and smile.
10 YEARS ON: THE SUNFLOWER BALL
Sadly, more children and young adults still die from brain tumours than from any other cancer. Alec made us promise that we would try to stop this happening to others, but we did not then appreciate the shocking frequency with which this disease occurs; nor could we imagine the number of families within our community who have also been devastated by the same disease, both before and since Alec’s death. It is therefore a difficult promise to keep. To mark this 10th year since he died, we are fundraising for for three vital projects, chosen by us for their potential to make a significant difference in the fight against brain tumours. Do hold your own event in celebration of those lost within the community or join us at the finale of this poignant anniversary year for The Sunflower Ball on 12th May 2018, in the garden that Alec loved. Help us to make that difference, change the future for others and fulfil our promise to Alec.
Every pound raised before or at The Sunflower Ball will go to The Brain Tumour Charity ‘Alec Normand Fund’ to support three projects with great potential to extend our understanding of brain tumours and improve outcomes for those suffering from the disease:
The Brain Tumour Databank: This pioneering project aims to revolutionise the availability and use of brain tumour data worldwide, accelerating research into brain tumours and improving patient information and choice.
Adult early diagnosis research: This research aims to understand the reasons behind delays in adult diagnosis. There is an urgent need to reduce this delay so that treatment can begin sooner and outcomes can be improved.
WINDOWS programme: This ground-breaking international collaboration will test up to 100 combinations of drugs which already have clinical approval, to accelerate new combination therapies for a deadly brain tumour, glioblastoma.
Our fundraising
2017 is also Year 11 of the South West Coast Path (630 miles of coastline) which Libby (my sister) and I have committed to complete in manageable chunks. We started at Minehead in September 2007 and then around Land’s End (with the Olympic Torch!) in 2012. The walk is a glorious and cathartic experience in the company of assorted family and friends and we are now at Exmouth. We will walk on in October 2017.
Others have also raised funds in various ways over the years: our daughter’s school (Cheam) has Gift Fairs; our sons’ old prep school, Elstree, does ‘Bandana day’ each year in Alec’s memory and raised huge amounts through walks; and we have also done several cycle rides and (mini!) triathlons including Capital to Coast in 2014 and Nightrider in 2013.
As the charity does not deduct admin costs from named funds, 100% of your donation will go to research. The Charity exists principally to find a cure for childhood and adult Brain Tumours through funding research and also offers support, hope and information to patients and their families. Donating through this site is straightforward and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: the Charity will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 25% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. So please sponsor any of us – your donation is greatly appreciated.
Many thanks from the Normand family and friends
