Living life to the full – Asher’s story

In a few days’ time, Asher Jenkin-Jones faces a major challenge. But then, his young life has been full of major challenges.

As a baby Asher was diagnosed with three brain tumours. He underwent major surgery to remove one tumour followed by three years of intensive chemotherapy at the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre (CBTRC) at Nottingham.

Now aged 10, Asher is undertaking his own fundraising challenge to raise money for the centre which helped save his life – paddling three miles across the sea from Tenby Beach in Pembrokeshire to Caldey Island on a paddle board.

Talking about motivation and why this challenge is important to him, Asher said: “I don’t really like sport that much and my sight isn’t very good but I want to get fitter and encourage others. I’m raising money for three charities and one is the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre. It saved my life – although I remember hiding after MRI scans at the centre in case the news was bad.”

Dad Tony added: “If it wasn’t for the excellent work of Professor Walker and his team, I’m not sure we would be here today.

“Early diagnosis is critical. It can mean the difference between losing your child and receiving effective treatment which offers a good quality of life for them afterwards. We were fortunate to have an early diagnosis and I’m sure it’s had a big impact on Asher’s life. His sight has been left impaired but it doesn’t hold him back. It’s why the HeadSmart Campaign, which was pioneered at Nottingham to help doctors and parents to spot the signs early, is so important.” 

Asher is certainly up for his challenge and getting ready to brave the cold water this spring.  “I want to do what I can to help as many people as possible.  I’ve been training and am looking forward to paddling. The most difficult thing will be avoiding falling in!”

Your support for CBTRC means that Asher, and children like him, have a chance to enjoy life as all children should

You can sponsor Asher today at www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/AsherJenkinJonesSuPadventure

Your signatures spark new inquiry

You did it! More than 120,000 people signed an e-petition calling for an increase in funding for brain tumour research. Your actions triggered a parliamentary debate and raised much needed awareness of underfunding. An inquiry into the issue was launched and a report by the government's Petition Committee has now been published - concluding that funding for brain tumour research is inadequate in the UK and not given sufficient priority. Follow us on Twitter for the lastest updates.