A family have hit a massive milestone in their fundraising efforts following the tragic death of their son. Graham Mckie, from Milngavie, began experiencing severe headaches on Boxing Day 2005.
The 32-year-old was later diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma – an inoperable and incurable brain tumour. Graham, a huge Aberdeen and Manchester United fan died in August 2006, surrounded by his heartbroken family, reports Glasgow Live.
Dad Don McKie said his son faced his illness with “strength and determination” adding that “he never let it dampen his spirit”. Following Graham’s death, Don his wife Rachel, and their wider family have worked tirelessly to raise funds in his honour, donating them to Brain Tumour Research.
They have raised thousands for the cause over the years through bake sales, silent auctions, and community events, slowly but surely bringing in more and more money with the support of friends and neighbours. And Rachel has confirmed that they have now raised £50,000 in Graham’s memory.
Rachel said: “We promised ourselves we would honour Graham by helping others. Reaching £50,000 is a bittersweet milestone, but we’re proud to know his legacy is contributing to vital research and support. Our hope is that one day, no family will have to endure the pain we did.”
Don added: “We’ve worked hard to make sure his memory is a force for good, and reaching this significant milestone is a tribute to him. But we won’t stop – there’s so much more to be done to bring hope to families like ours.”
Now, Brain Tumour Research is teaming up with The Beatson to create a new Centre of Excellence in Scotland which is scheduled to open in 2025. The centre will focus on accelerating research into glioblastoma (GBM), aiming to make significant progress in understanding and treating this aggressive form of brain tumour.
Rachel said: “The Centre of Excellence means so much to us because it represents hope — hope for future generations who won’t have to endure what Graham did. We have committed all our future fundraising efforts to support the new centre, hoping to find a cure for the disease that shortened Graham’s life.”
Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “The commitment shown by Don, Rachel, and their family over 18 years is truly inspiring. Their incredible efforts in Graham’s memory highlight the urgent need for more funding and research. We are so grateful for their support, which helps bring us closer to a cure for this devastating disease.”
You can find out more information about Brain Tumour Research’s work in Scotland online here.
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