Devon FA has for the first time chosen a nominated charity for a whole season – and that charity is Brain Tumour Research at Plymouth University.
Representatives from Devon FA visited researchers investigating brain tumours at Plymouth University and had a tour of their labs. As a result of the visit the decision was made to support this research with a commitment to raising at least £5,484 – which equates to two days of work in the lab.
Devon FA has a number of fundraising activities lined up, from collections at matches to taking part in the Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest challenge.
The organisation is supporting research into brain tumours at Plymouth University because the Plymouth University Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence is Europe’s leading programme in developing new and personalised targeting therapies for low-grade brain tumours.
More people under 40 die of a brain tumour than any other cancer. Brain tumours kill over twice as many women as cervical cancer, and more men under the age of 45 than prostate or any other cancer. Brain cancer incidents are actually rising: 23 per cent higher for men and 25 per cent higher for women in 2012 than in 1970. Brain tumours are responsible for 20 years of life lost and the South West has the highest rate of brain tumours diagnosed per million in England.
At present there is no cure and the only treatment options available are invasive surgery and/or radiotherapy.
Chris French from Devon FA said:
“We are delighted to have chosen Brain Tumour Research at Plymouth University as our first ever dedicated charity for a season. We hope that our supporters will back us by digging deep for this research which has the potential to change lives.”
If you would like to get more involved with research at Plymouth University, you can find out more by visiting www.plymouth.ac.uk/campaign.