A father is in the midst of an extraordinary journey, training for the remaining legs of his ambitious six-marathon challenge in remembrance of his teenage son who lost his battle with brain cancer. Frank James Lee, residing in Royal Wootton Bassett, experienced the devastating loss of his 13-year-old son who was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM).
Frank’s son, Little Frank, was initially advised to have his eyes examined due to persistent symptoms of headaches and nausea. Tragically, it wasn’t until he collapsed in 2017 that the high-grade tumor was discovered. Little Frank’s life was cut short within two years, passing away on July 22, 2019.
During GBM Awareness Week (July 15 – 21, 2024), Brain Tumour Research is bringing attention to this profoundly destructive form of brain cancer. With 3,200 individuals being diagnosed with GBM annually, it stands as the most frequently diagnosed high-grade brain tumor in adults, with an average life expectancy of merely 12-18 months. Shockingly, treatments for GBM have remained unchanged for the past two decades, with no existing cure.
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Speaking five years after his son’s passing, Frank Lee Sr, 44, expressed, “As a family, we were completely unaware of this disease until it shattered our world. Numerous young individuals succumb to brain tumors, yet there is minimal funding dedicated to its research. It infuriates me. I find it incredibly challenging to discuss Little Frank, and a few years ago, I don’t believe I would have been capable of doing so. However, I recognize the necessity of doing so to prevent other parents from enduring the same loss we did.”
Frank is currently halfway through the demanding Abbott World Marathon Majors challenge, endeavoring to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research. This six-marathon challenge involves completing marathons across diverse global locations.
Running and fundraising for the charity have provided solace for Frank Sr, serving as a much-needed “focus” following Little Frank’s passing. “Whenever sadness creeps in, I lace up my sneakers, and it clears my mind,” he conveyed. “While I have always enjoyed running, this has taken it to a whole new level. I’ve become quite obsessed!”
To date, Frank Sr’s running endeavors, carried out alongside a group of friends known as ‘Team Breed,’ have generated over £27,000 for the charity. With three more marathons on the horizon, commencing with Berlin in September, followed by Chicago in October and New York in November, Frank aspires to double that total.
Frank Sr reflected, “I am deeply indebted to the Team Breed lads who have accompanied me on this global running journey, honoring the memory of Little Frank, who was an exuberant and athletic child.”
Louise Aubrey, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, conveyed gratitude towards Frank, stating, “We are incredibly appreciative of Frank’s remarkable fundraising efforts thus far and wish him success in the final stages of this remarkable challenge!"
Tragically, there are countless narratives akin to Frank’s and his son’s. Numerous young individuals endure the ramifications of this disease, yet a mere 1% of the national cancer research expenditure has been allocated to brain tumors since 2002.
Brain Tumour Research facilitates sustainable research at specialized centers in the UK and advocates for increased investment in brain tumor research from the Government and major cancer charities. The charity strives to expedite the development of new treatments and eventually discover a cure. The organization vigorously campaigns for an annual national spend of £35 million to enhance survival rates and patient outcomes, in alignment with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukemia.