John Lyon School Swimathon Supports Brain Tumour Research in Memory of Former Student
The John Lyon School is organising a heartfelt swimathon fundraiser to back Team Joshua and Brain Tumour Research. This initiative seeks to finance crucial studies into a disease that claims more lives among children and adults under 40 than any other cancer. Joshua Beresford-Smart, a former pupil, attended the school from age four to 18 with his brothers Thomas and Matthew. He was diagnosed with a diffuse midline glioma at 15, receiving a prognosis of just nine to 12 months.
After undergoing surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, Joshua joined a privately funded clinical trial in New York. This trial stabilised his tumour and granted him valuable additional time. However, when COVID-19 travel restrictions halted further journeys, his condition worsened quickly. In his final months, Joshua became paralysed, blind, and unable to speak, passing away at home on February 19, 2021, two months before his 19th birthday.
Family and School Rally for a Cause
His mother, Michelle, explained: "We established Team Joshua to fulfil Josh's desire to fund research for better outcomes and a cure for brain tumour patients. Josh donated much of his school prize money to Brain Tumour Research, and we are deeply thankful for John Lyon's ongoing support." The school already honours Joshua with a memorial tree and an annual fundraising football tournament, which has collected over £500 across four years.
Headteacher Rose Hardy commented: "This year's swimathon holds special meaning as Josh's story and family remain close to us. One student swam 94 lengths on the first morning alone. We eagerly welcome alumni to participate and anticipate collaborating with Brain Tumour Research in Josh's memory for years ahead."
The Urgent Need for Brain Tumour Funding
Brain tumours can impact anyone at any age, killing more women under 35 than breast cancer and more men under 70 than prostate cancer. Despite this, only 1% of national cancer research funding has been directed toward brain tumours since 2002. Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, stated: "Josh's case underscores the critical demand for more effective treatments and broader clinical trial access, so families aren't compelled to fundraise privately for potential options. Each donation advances us toward a cure."
Brain Tumour Research supports research at dedicated UK centres and advocates for a national annual investment of £35 million to enhance survival rates and patient outcomes. The fundraiser highlights the community's dedication to combating this devastating illness.
