Woman with brain tumour joined by 250 friends and family for charity walk

Georgie Maynard, from Appleton, who was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour in May 2023 after a sudden seizure, organised the event to raise funds for research into the disease.

The walk took place on Sunday, April 27, and followed a route through Besselsleigh’s bluebell woods, Appleton, and back to Besselsleigh.

Georgie Maynard with Will Hotham, who also has a brain tumour (Image: Georgie Maynard) Among the participants were friends who are also suffering from a brain tumour or who have lost a family member to brain cancer.

Ms Maynard, who has undergone an awake craniotomy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and thermotherapy since her diagnosis, has been actively fundraising and campaigning for greater awareness of the disease.

She set up the supporter group Maynards to fund research into high-grade tumours and attended The Brain Tumour Charity’s London Twilight Walk last year with a large group of supporters.

The bluebell walk has raised close to £40,000 so far, with donations still coming in.

Ms Maynard said: “I am blown away by how many could join the walk, the enthusiasm and positivity you brought with you, and your breath taking generosity – from those that could come, those who couldn’t, and those who have just heard about the campaign and donated – thank you.

The bluebell walk organised by Georgie Maynard (Image: Georgie Maynard) “Whether comfortable or not, we need to keep talking about brain tumours. In fact, we need to keep shouting about it.

“Glioblastomas are random – anyone can be affected by it, but at the moment no one can defeat it.

“We don’t know what causes this type of brain tumour, and most heartbreakingly, we don’t yet know how to cure it.

“We need to work beyond a few extra months of life, to actually uncover a cure for brain tumours.”

Ms Maynard’s brother, Charlie Maynard, Liberal Democrat MP for Witney, also took part in the walk.

The bluebell walk organised by Georgie Maynard (Image: Georgie Maynard) He campaigns for more focus and funding for brain tumours and has previously called for diseases like brain tumours to be “brought to the forefront of our national health agenda”.

Firzana Khan, community fundraiser at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “Georgie and the Maynards Supporter Group are a shining example of how strength, community, and determination can come together to make a real difference.

“We’re incredibly grateful for their phenomenal fundraising and unwavering passion.

“Events like the bluebell walk not only raise vital funds but also spark crucial conversations about brain tumours – a disease that remains underfunded and under-researched, despite being the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40.

“Together, we’re driving change, pushing for progress, and bringing hope to everyone affected.”