Mum's Fundraising Efforts Highlight Need for Sustainable Funding for Brain Tumour Research

Strategic Insights -

During International Brain Tumour Awareness Week, a South Shields mum is raising awareness of her family's story and the need for more sustainable funding into the disease. Nabela Salem's partner, Craig Dunn, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare and aggressive brain tumour, in 2025. Nabela, who also lost her mother to a brain tumour, is now working with Brain Tumour Research to raise awareness and funds for the charity. She completed the Great North Run last month, raising over £8,500, which is enough to fund more than three days of research at the charity's Centre of Excellence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nabela Salem's partner, Craig Dunn, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare and aggressive brain tumour, in 2025.
  • Nabela lost her mother to a brain tumour when she was just a baby and is now working with Brain Tumour Research to raise awareness and funds.
  • Despite 1% of the national spend on cancer research being allocated to brain tumours, the charity is calling on the government to increase investment into research.
  • Nabela's fundraising efforts and determination to turn pain into purpose are a testament to her strength and love for her family.
  • Craig has undergone 35 sessions of radiotherapy and will soon begin chemotherapy.
  • The couple's fundraising is part of the 99 Miles in November challenge, which aims to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research and bring hope to those affected.

Statistics:

  • Brain tumours receive just 1% of the national spend on cancer research.
  • Over 100,000 people in the UK are living with a brain tumour or the life-long impact of their diagnosis.
  • Brain tumours are indiscriminate and can affect anyone at any age.
  • Ranked as the deadliest form of cancer for children and people under the age of 40.
  • £8,500 raised by Nabela for Brain Tumour Research in the Great North Run.
  • Enough to fund more than three days of research at the charity's Centre of Excellence at Queen Mary University of London.

Sources:

  • Brain Tumour Research
  • www.braintumourresearch.org/pages/fundraise-99-miles-in-november
  • BBC News
  • Great North Run Event