Woman walks to honour friend's brain tumour battle

A Dover woman has walked 120 miles in 28 days to raise money for charity in honour of her friend who was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Former NHS worker Jo Lees has smashed her targets while taking part in charity Brain Tumour Research's 99 miles in November challenge.

Jo, who is a full-time carer for her parents, has dedicated the walk to her school friend Claire Cain who is waiting for surgery for a non-cancerous brain tumour.

In 2021, Ms Cain was diagnosed with acoustic neuroma, a tumour which can cause issues with hearing and balance.

Ms Lees said: Jo said: “Seeing the physical impact that brain tumours can have on a person is heart-breaking.

"It’s especially heart-breaking when people of the same age are going through a diagnosis too.”

The keen walker said her family had already been affected by brain tumours, with a relative dying after years of treatment and surgeries.

Ms Lees had raised £700 for Brain Tumour Research this year, taking part in challenges in May and August.

Brain Tumour Research community development manager Charlie Allsebrook said: “Brain tumours are indiscriminate. They can affect anyone at any age.

"We’re grateful to Jo for sharing her reason for supporting Brain Tumour Research. It’s only with the support of people like Jo, who is taking on one of our Facebook challenges, that will help us closer to find kinder treatments and eventually a cure for all types of brain tumours."

The charity is campaigning for the government to pledge £35million a year towards research to improve brain tumour survival rates.

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