Our son, Alec Normand, died in January 2008 from an inoperable brain-stem tumour, aged nine. He was the elder of our two boys and has left a hole not just in our family, but also in the many families who came to know and love him during his short life.
Alec’s tumour was diagnosed very quickly in April 2007. He had had a succession of what seemed no more than winter colds, but as soon as he developed a squint, he underwent an MRI scan, which showed clearly the presence and location of the tumour. Treatment was provided by Southampton General Hospital, where, coincidentally, his grandfather, Colin Normand, was Professor of Child Health from 1970 to 1993. We were able to care for him from home throughout his illness, with the support of his fabulous school, Elstree, and latterly from the excellent Basingstoke community nursing team.
Alec remained an active and enthusiastic participant in all aspects of home and school life up until his last few weeks, for which we are very grateful. He was a gentle boy, whose kind nature was noted by acquaintances of all ages, and his keen interest in reading and music played a large part in his last year and at his funeral and thanksgiving services. Alec faced his diagnosis, treatment and subsequent decline with inspirational courage and good humour, as so many young children in his circumstances seem to do, and we were lucky to have had nine wonderful years with him.
As a family affected by the condition, we are keen to support research into the prevention and cure of childhood brain tumours. During the last months of Alec’s life, we set up an “umbrella” fund with the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust. For us, the purpose of the ongoing fundraising is threefold: as an enduring way to celebrate Alec’s life; to raise funds for researching into ways of preventing or treating this type of illness; and to provide a positive outlet for the huge number of Alec’s supporters and their greatly valued goodwill.
The specific fundraising events so far have included the first 2 stages of the South West Coast Path (photo below top right – Alec’s mother and her sister have committed to walking the whole 630 miles over the next few years); the Elstree School Ridgeway Walk (The boys themselves chose the SDBTT as their charity for this year’s sponsored walk). The whole school, many families and teachers, Alec’s younger brother and even Alec’s Jack Russell puppy completed the 10 miles (big photo below) and raised a record amount of sponsorship – (photo below top left – the Dickson’s receiving the cheque in June 2008); several musical events arranged by his music teachers and musical friends; the London marathon run in his name by a brave friend; and many other fund raising events arranged in Alec’s name by supporters young and old, from close friends to complete strangers!
Written by Christopher and Clare Normand
Alec’s parents have set up a special Justgiving page and any donations can be made in his memory through that website.