A ‘LOVELY’ Lutterworth man has completed a 177-mile walking challenge to raise funds for a brain tumour charity, in memory of his granddaughter’s best friend, who died from the disease at the age of just six.
Patrick Howlett, known as Paddy, 65, walked Offa’s Dyke, a National Trail that roughly follows the border between England and Wales, from Chepstow on the River Severn estuary to Prestatyn on the North Wales coast.
Tay and Emily enjoyed ‘the sweetest friendship’. Picture by Brain Tumour Research.
His epic hike, which took 13 days, was to help raise awareness of the need to improve brain tumour research after his granddaughter Emily lost her best friend, Taylan.
His efforts also raised close to £4,000 for Tay’s Tribe, a Brain Tumour Research fundraising group.
Paddy said: “It was such a lovely walk in beautiful countryside and with amazing views, but the relentless hills on very hot days were especially challenging – my legs clearly wanted to stop!
“What spurred me on, however, was walking in Tay’s memory and the incredible support of so many generous sponsors to help families and children in the future.
“Tay was such a lovely little boy who so enjoyed being outside having adventures. I know he would have enjoyed our trek and I definitely felt his presence with me along the way. What more encouragement could I need?”
Broughton Astley boy Taylan Kurtul was five years old when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2023 after experiencing problems with his vision, sickness and balance issues.
After surgery, Tay suffered a collection of neurological symptoms – including being unable to sit up, walk or eat, visual problems and, most upsettingly, losing the ability to speak.
As radiotherapy and chemotherapy failed to stop the progression of the tumour, Tay’s parents Laura and Toygun decided to stop the gruelling treatment as they felt it was unfair for Tay to keep fighting.
Eight months after his diagnosis, Tay, their only child, passed away in February 2024.
Laura, who lives with Toygun in a property owned by Paddy, said: “We are so grateful to Paddy, our lovely landlord, for raising awareness and funds for better outcomes for children and adults diagnosed with brain tumours.
“Tay and Emily enjoyed the sweetest friendship ever since they met in the reception class at Hallbrook Primary School in Broughton Astley. From baking cookies in her kitchen to building secret dens in his garden, their days together have been filled with giggles, silliness and the kind of joy only true childhood friends can bring – a simple, pure and beautiful bond, a little love story.”
Laura, Toygun and their son Taylan. Picture by Brain Tumour Research.
Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to the disease.
During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, Brain Tumour Research is highlighting its work to develop kinder and more effective ways to treat childhood brain tumours, to improve survival prognosis and quality of life.
Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Every pound raised helps us sustain this critical research and brings us closer to finding a cure. Without increased investment, we risk losing the momentum we’ve built in uncovering the breakthroughs patients and families so desperately need.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/page/patrick-howlett-1 to donate to Paddy’s fund-raising appeal.
