Brain tumour fund exceeds 'wildest' expectations

A FUND set up to help research brain tumours in children has surpassed the wildest expectations of an Aldridge mum.

Sharon Sambrook launched the Ben Sambrook Trust Fund two years ago after her nine-year-old son was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

She has since raised more than £50,000.

Cash from Ben's fund is ploughed into the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust, the UK's leading charity dedicated to brain tumour research.

"It started off as just something to give me some peace of mind after what our family went through," said Mrs Sambrook.

"I didn't feel there was enough funding or research going into brain tumours in young people like Ben.

"But since then it has just taken off, people just keep on helping and it's got bigger than I ever could have imagined."

Ben, who is now a healthy 11-year-old, entering year six at Cooper and Jordan Primary School, underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as surgery to remove the Grade Four malignant tumour.

He returns to hospital every three months for scans to ensure the cancer has not returned.

"We live on a knife edge that it may return, but the doctors are talking about making his scans four monthly so that is a good sign," added Mrs Sambrook.

The unique way in which the fund works means the family can choose where the money raised is spent, and it is currently helping to finance two research projects.

The most recent donation to land on the doorstep was a cheque for £2,700 – money donated on ThomsonFly flights in Europe this summer.

A further £5,000  will hopefully be raised at a Moulin Rouge ball being held at Calderfields Golf Club, on October 9, for which all 140 tickets have already been sold.

Raffle tickets are now on sale with a host of prizes up for grabs, including an adult mountain bike donated by Dave's Cycles, in Walsall Wood, and jewellery from the Allen Brown Gallery.

A year of free swimming lessons for children are also on offer from swimming instructors Betty Atthey and Denise Smallman.

To purchase tickets, or if any businesses or clubs can sell them on Mrs Sambrook's behalf, call 07919 752860 or email her on sasambrook@yahoo.com

■ Organisers of the Moulin Rouge ball are also seeking a French style accordionist to perform at the event, if anyone can help call Julie Homfray on 07986 574250.