10 for Stephen: Rugby family launches 10-challenge campaign on 10th anniversary to find brain tumour cure

It’s part of an incredible legacy that the Realf family is building through campaigning and fundraising for Brain Tumour Research.

Stephen Realf from Rugby was 19 years old and training to be an RAF pilot when he was diagnosed with an astrocytoma. In the decade since he died in August 2014, aged 26, his family has worked tirelessly with the charity to make some meaning out of their tragic loss.

The quest to build a legacy for Stephen took off on the first anniversary of his death, when his sister Maria Realf, an author and journalist from Surrey, launched a petition calling on the Government to “fund more research into brain tumours, the biggest cancer killer of under 40s”. It was signed by more than 120,000 people and led to a Westminster debate, followed by the creation of a Task and Finish Working Group on brain tumour research. The group’s report, published in February 2018, came with an announcement that £20 million of government funding would be allocated over the next five years, with the aim of doubling this once new high-quality research proposals became available. The Government confirmed the extra £20 million later that year upon the death of Dame Tessa Jowell, although to date only £15 million of the £40 million has been allocated.

Maria said: “I could never have imagined that a petition started in my bedroom would take us all the way to Westminster, where our family met with senior ministers such as Matt Hancock, Dominic Raab and George Freeman. However, with a new Government in place, there is still much more to do, and we won’t give up until a cure is found.”

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002.

Stephen’s father Peter, from Rugby, said: “Research gave my son hope. The campaigning we have done over the past decade, and the impact it has had, has given me the belief that he did not die in vain.”

Kicking off the 10 for Stephen campaign, which has already raised more than £600 towards the £10,000 target, Maria will be honouring Stephen’s passion for his favourite football team Tottenham Hotspur by taking on The Dare Skywalk. She will scale the stadium roof before stepping on to the glass walkway 46.8 metres above the pitch to reach its iconic cockerel.

Maria said: “Steve was a real daredevil – unlike me – so this will definitely be a test of my nerves! We’re planning a variety of challenges over the year, ranging from the heart-warming to the heart-stopping. Even my six-year-old son – who sadly never got to meet his uncle – will be getting involved, along with a number of family friends.”

Hugh Adams, head of stakeholder relations for Brain Tumour Research, said: “Brain tumours are indiscriminate and can affect anyone at any age.

“Stephen’s family are truly dedicated supporters of the cause, taking every opportunity to campaign at Westminster or to help the charity raise awareness. We send heartfelt wishes on the 10th anniversary of Stephen’s loss and all the best for their 10 for Stephen fundraiser.”

Just 12% of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years compared with an average of 54% across all cancers.

Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure. The charity is the driving force behind the call for a national annual spend of £35 million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia.

To donate to the 10 for Stephen campaign, go to www.justgiving.com/page/tenforStephen