A Wimbledon lady is getting ready to trek 50km throughout the Sahara Desert in reminiscence of her four-year-old nephew who died from a mind tumour.
Denise Sefton, a 49-year-old government guide, is taking over the extraordinary problem to boost funds and consciousness for Mind Tumour Analysis, a charity she helps as a trustee.
The four-day trek, starting on March 28, will contain excessive warmth, towering sand dunes, and lengthy, strenuous days.
She is dedicating the trouble to her nephew Theo Howden, who died in September 2017 at simply 4 years outdated, her stepsister Lynne, who was recognized and handled for a mind tumour in 2012, and her good friend, Amy, who’s presently being handled for a number of tumours.
Denise mentioned: “It was horrific when Lynne was recognized with a mind tumour in 2012. She lives within the USA and, thankfully, obtained remedy from one of many main surgeons in Houston, Texas. I’m happy to say she’s doing nicely, however sadly, that was solely our first expertise with a mind tumour.
“My nephew Theo was an exquisite, bubbly boy who adored Energy Rangers and dinosaurs. At simply two years outdated, he began feeling unwell, drained and sick within the mornings. His dad and mom knew one thing wasn’t proper. Initially, medical doctors dismissed it as a virus or frequent sickness, however when signs persevered, they pushed for a second opinion. That’s when exams revealed his devastating analysis.”
Theo’s remedy included surgical procedure and proton beam remedy, requiring him to be positioned below common anaesthetic numerous occasions as a consequence of his younger age. Regardless of every thing, he by no means complained and targeted solely on recovering so he might begin nursery like different youngsters.
Sadly, Theo died along with his loving dad and mom, Dan and Harriet, by his aspect. Theo’s older brother, Jack, is now making use of to medical college, impressed by the care his brother obtained and decided to make a distinction.
Denise isn’t any stranger to bodily challenges, beforehand working marathons and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. She shall be joined on the trek by 15 others, every with shut private experiences of mind tumours amongst their household and buddies.
Denise added: “Since turning into a trustee, I’ve been dedicated not simply to supporting the charity with my time and experience but in addition via private fundraising. What worries me most is the 10-hour bus journey as a result of I get carsick, and the tenting. No beds, no showers, no bathrooms, and all of the little critters. It’s means exterior my consolation zone, but when it helps the trigger, it will likely be price it.”
Funds raised by the trek will assist scientists working to advance the understanding of mind tumours, bringing us nearer to improved therapies and, finally, a remedy.
To help Denise’s Sahara Trek, please go to: https://www.justgiving.com/web page/denise-sefton-1710605859426
Pictured prime: Denise together with her nephew Theo (Image: BTR)
