Andy was 34 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour following many months of visits to his GP complaining of morning headaches and constant fatigue. The eventual diagnosis came after spending a long weekend at Centre Parcs with his wife Julie and children Jamie (5) and Gemma (4) and suffering facial palsy, prompting a MRI scan.
Andy underwent his first craniotomy in April 2004 soon after diagnosis and made a remarkable recovery. 95% of the tumour was removed. The news was excellent and Andy and the family thought the worst was now over. In Nov 2004 Andy suffered a Grand Mal seizure, prompting a further scan.
Over the years that followed, Andy underwent Radiotherapy, Temolozide and PCV Chemotherapy. Forever the optimist Andy was determined to beat his illness: the tumour however still had plenty of fight left in it too. Meanwhile Andy decided to make a tandem sky-jump for charity, for those less fortunate than himself. Andy had also in the meantime continued his career as an accountant and enjoyed playing football and golf at weekends.
Towards the end of 2007 it looked as if Andy’s football career could be over when a bump on the head resulted in hospitalisation. Andy started to deteriorate over the following months and in March 2008 Andy underwent a second craniotomy, this time awake. Andy seemed once again to make a remarkable recovery and was now even more determined to beat this disease.
Andy and the family took the opportunity to take a holiday in Barbados. Unfortunately whilst away Andy suffered a large brain bleed from the tumour site (a very rare occurrence) and died peacefully on 19th May.
Andy was 38.
Andy will always be remembered for his quick wit and impulsive smile. His sheer determination to keep living was an inspiration to us all.
Fundraising
Future events
We are hoping to organise a coffee morning and a charity football match in the near future, further information on these events will follow soon!
We currently have ongoing collection tins situated at the Queens Head public house Alton Hants and Ropley Sports Pavillion.
On the weekend of the 4/5th September 2010, Peter Hoole will be completing an event called the Lemming Trail, which is a 120km cycle ride following the South Downs Way, featuring over 9,000ft of climbs – the equivalent of riding 1/3 of the way up Mount Everest.
Peter has already raised over 200% of his £500 target for Andy’s fund, which is an outstanding achievement. To sponsor him online through JustGiving, please click here.
Past events
The fund is growing thanks to the incredible support of many family, friends, colleagues and complete strangers.
We have held the following events:
- 10 people (including Andy’s sister-in-law) completed a cycle of either 29 or 66 miles on Sunday 16th May near Haslemere, Surrey. The group raised a hugely impressive £2,411.70, which was 121% of their target!
- An amazing £500 was raised from the charity golfing day organised by Mr and Mrs Inder from the Fox Inn at Bramdean.
- Memorial pre-season football match between Aldershot and Alton Town Football Clubs. (Mascot Jamie Petersen)
- Sponsored Walk at Alice Holt Forest organised by Wise & Co Chartered Accountants
- Ricoh Golf Society Day collections in memory of Andy
- Sale of Christmas Cards designed by Andy’s children, Gemma and Jamie.
There have also been many donations from friends, family and Andy’s colleagues at work, for which the family are extremely grateful. If anyone would like to hold an event in Andy’s memory, please do not hesitate to contact the Charity for help and advice.