In 2011, Charlie Broadhurst, 36, from West Hanney, began experiencing persistent headaches. After visiting the John Radcliffe Hospital, an MRI scan suggested sinusitis, and he was advised to consult his optician. Life resumed as usual for Mr. Broadhurst until January 2022, when he had a seizure and was diagnosed with a grade two astrocytoma.
In response to this life-changing diagnosis, Charlie’s wife, Siobhan Broadhurst, 34, embarked on a fundraising mission to support Brain Tumour Research, driven by the fear and urgency that came with her husband’s condition. Among her numerous fundraising efforts is the 88 Squats a Day in July Challenge, aimed at funding research and offering hope to families facing similar challenges.
Mrs. Broadhurst, who works as an early years foundation stage teaching assistant, shared, “Brain tumours don’t discriminate; they’re relentless. Despite being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among young adults and children in the UK, research remains severely underfunded. That’s the driving force behind my commitment to raising money and awareness through challenges like the 88 Squats a Day initiative. Since 2022, I’ve raised over £25,000 for Brain Tumour Research, and my goal is to prevent other families from hearing the devastating diagnosis of a brain tumour.”
Brain tumours claim more lives among those under 40 than any other cancer, and they exceed prostate cancer as a cause of death in men under 70. In January 2022, as Mr. Broadhurst was recovering from a mild illness, he experienced a familiar tingling sensation in his lip—an early warning sign reminiscent of childhood convulsions. Moments later, he suffered a tonic-clonic seizure and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital. Initially attributed to a viral illness and dehydration, he was discharged and referred to an epilepsy clinic. However, subsequent MRI scans revealed the presence of a brain tumour.
Mrs. Broadhurst recalls, “Our world shattered at the diagnosis. It was terrifying—from the moment we heard ‘brain tumour,’ we knew it wasn’t good.”
Katrina Jones, head of community and digital fundraising at Brain Tumour Research, expressed gratitude: “Siobhan’s dedication and drive to make a change, despite personal hardships, is truly inspiring. Her efforts are instrumental in the vital change we need.”
To support Siobhan’s 88 squats a day in July and follow her journey in making a difference, visit her [JustGiving page](https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Siobhan1749114714118?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL).
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