The tragic loss of a friend to brain cancer has spurred a man from Somerset into action, raising funds and awareness for brain tumour research. James ‘Pud’ Pullen, who passed away at the age of 28 after battling the disease, has left a lasting impact on his close friend and rugby teammate, Thomas Palacio.
Expressing frustration at the lack of funding for brain cancer research, Thomas has committed to making a difference. He has organized a series of challenging fundraisers, with his upcoming 126-mile run from the University of Plymouth to Wells Town Hall marking his fifth event in support of Brain Tumour Research.
Thomas' dedication to the cause has seen him progressively increase the scale and difficulty of his challenges, with his efforts resulting in over £10,000 raised for the charity. In honour of his late friend, Thomas, along with friends Tommy Corns, Lewis Smith, and Jake Smith, will place tiles on the Wall of Hope at the Plymouth Centre of Excellence. This act symbolizes the impact of their fundraising efforts.
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Looking ahead to his next daunting challenge, Thomas remains determined. He acknowledges the physical and mental demands of the 126-mile run, emphasizing the importance of keeping James' memory alive and continuing the fight against brain cancer.
Louise Aubrey, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, extends gratitude to Thomas and his friends for their unwavering support. She emphasizes the indiscriminate nature of brain tumours and the urgency for increased research funding to develop effective treatments and, ultimately, find a cure.
Brain Tumour Research advocates for greater investment in brain tumour research, urging the government and larger cancer charities to allocate more resources to improve survival rates and patient outcomes. The charity’s ambitious goal is to secure a national annual spend of £35 million, aligning brain cancer research with other prevalent cancers.
To further support the cause, tickets are available for an upcoming fundraising event, “Party for Pud,” offering an evening of music, entertainment, and camaraderie. The proceeds will contribute to vital brain tumour research.
In the face of adversity, Thomas Palacio and his friends stand as a beacon of hope, rallying support and raising awareness in honor of James ‘Pud’ Pullen and all those affected by brain cancer.