Champion Fundraiser, Dave Stubbs, makes an impact at Easter Monday Football Match

19 April 2023 | Fundraising, Support, Supporters

Local fans came out and braved the unpredictable spring weather to watch Port Vale FC play Oxford United in an exciting, Easter Monday Match. Dave Stubbs, one of Brain Tumour Support’s Champion Fundraisers and a brain tumour survivor himself, was there to raise money and awareness for Brain Tumour Support.

Despite the heavy rain and wind, a great time was had by all, and we are so grateful to everyone who kindly donated. Our fantastic volunteer, Dave Stubbs headed up a stand, taking donations, selling raffle tickets and chatting about the support services we offer. They raised almost £800 from generous football fans and had some valuable conversations, including a young lad whose £2.50 donation had the most profound impact of the day. Dave wanted to share the story as a reminder that it’s not just about who donates the most amount of money – every penny is valuable to a charity like ours, and this story has moved us all.

“He was only 15 years of age; he came over to us and explained he lost his father to a brain tumour when he was only nine years old. He said that his father had been having headaches over a number of years and kept going to his doctors and he was ignored and fobbed off (his words). A new doctor then started at the surgery who saw his dad, took his complaint seriously and sent him for a scan.

Sadly, the scan revealed a brain tumour which was too advanced for treatment, and he was only given six months to live. His father only lived for a further 11 weeks before he died. He said that the loss of his father had a really big impact on him and he wanted to make a donation. As a 15-year-old he only had £2.50 for his half-time pie at the match, but he instead donated it. He would not take no for an answer.”

It’s moments like this that make us so honoured to do what we do and feel inspired to keep going. Every penny donated goes towards helping anyone facing the effects of a brain tumour diagnosis, not just patients themselves but their loved ones too.

Dave and the team also spoke with another gentleman who, before going to the football match did not know anything about our services, despite needing support following a loved one’s brain tumour diagnosis. We were pleased to be able to get in touch and offer him the help he and his family deserve.

After the event, we caught up with Dave who said

“It’s an honour to help the charity, it’s given me a way to turn what I’ve gone through into a positive.”

Following his own brain tumour diagnosis in July 2021 Dave and his son, Elijah, have raised almost £8,000 to help the work of Brain Tumour Support.

You can read Dave’s full story and more about his past and upcoming fundraising efforts.

See Dave and Elijah’s Champion Fund

Thank you to Dave and all the other volunteers for standing out in all weather, your help means so much to us and those we support.

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