Aberdeen woman who lost brother to brain cancer kicks off fundraising year in his memory
An Aberdeen woman who lost her brother to brain cancer has kicked off a year-long fundraising campaign to honour her brother.
Natasha Gundersen, who works as a teacher, joined over a dozen family and friends in the London Winter Walk on January 26, battling stormy weather to raise more than £2,000 for Brain Tumour Research in memory brother, Dominic Low.
Natasha flew from Aberdeen to take part in the 10km walk, held for Dominic, who died aged 47 after a three-and-a-half-year battle with glioblastoma. She described the event as both challenging and uplifting.
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She said: "We all had such a great time. Of course, we got soaking wet, and it was freezing cold but we were all together so we had fun!"
Despite undergoing surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and a round of clinical trial immunotherapy in London, the cancer was too aggressive, and Dominic died three-and-a-half years after he was diagnosed, aged 47.
His death left a profound impact on his loved ones including wife, Jo, and their children, 16-year-old Megan and Oliver who is 14.
Natasha added: "My brother was incredibly positive throughout his diagnosis. He was very outdoorsy, loving all sports and he was exceptionally fit, both mentally and physically. It’s been tough for all of us. Dominic filled a room with his tremendously bright outlook and infectious humour, and we are so proud that he fought this disease so bravely. Through these fundraising efforts, we honour his resilience and love of life."
The London Winter Walk, where Natasha raised over £2,000, marked the start of a year-long campaign to commemorate what would have been Dominic’s 50th birthday. Natasha plans to continue her efforts by running the Garioch Half Marathon in May, inspired by her brother’s love of sport.
The mother-of-two will run the Garioch Half Marathon in Aberdeenshire. She added: "Dominic once ran a marathon, though he was famously overtaken by someone dressed as a Cornish pasty, a story we still laugh about. It feels right to continue the year with a running challenge, something he would have been proud of me doing.
"Brain tumours are devastating. Dominic’s unwavering spirit continues to inspire us every day. We hope this walk and our fundraising efforts continue to raise awareness and funds to offer hope to other families facing this cruel disease. Together, we step forward with love in our hearts, keeping Dominic’s memory alive and making a difference in his name."
Brain Tumour Research estimates only 13% of brain tumour patients survive beyond five years, yet just 1% of UK cancer research funding has been dedicated to brain tumours since records began in 2002. Charlie Allsebrook of the charity praised Natasha’s efforts.
He said: "We’re grateful to Natasha for sharing her brother’s story. Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age and there are more than 100 different types of brain tumour, making them notoriously difficult to find effective treatments for.
"We’re determined to change that but it’s only by working together that we will be able to improve treatment options for patients and, ultimately, a cure. We’re thankful for Natasha and her family and friends for taking on the challenge and wish Natasha all the best for her upcoming running challenge."
To donate, visit Natasha’s fundraising page.