Milton Keynes-based charity teams up with MK Dons to launch massive World Cup 'Keepy Uppy' challenge

A Milton Keynes-based charity has teamed up with MK Dons to launch a World Cup-themed ‘keepy uppy’ challenge to help find a cure for brain tumours.

Brain Tumour Research aims to find enough people to complete a total of one million keepy uppies by the time the World Cup finishes.

The number is symbolic as it costs £1 million to fund a Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence for a year.

This week MK Dons have kicked off the fundraiser by encouraging residents and supporters to complete a cup-worthy 10,000 keepy-uppies.

Anybody taking part will receive a special tournament medal if they raise more than £10 and they’ll also be entered into a sweepstake to win footie themed prizes.

The aim of the challenge is to raise awareness of the disease and to raise funds through sponsorship which will allow scientists at the centres to continue their vital work to help find a cure and find new treatment options for patients.

Katie Jefcut, from Oldbrook, knows only too well the implications of a brain tumour diagnosis. Her 10-year-old-son, Jude, is currently going through treatment after being diagnosed with a high-grade form of the disease following a visit to the optician on his eighth birthday in March 2020.

Jude spent yesterday (Monday) morning at MK Dons stadium, meeting first-team players.

Katie said: “Jude had an amazing day at MK Dons and loved meeting the players and receiving a football shirt, which the players signed in front of him. It made him smile a lot, which is lovely because his smiles are quite rare these days.”

Sadly, there are no further treatment options available in the UK for Jude. Like many families facing this impossible situation, his family is crowdfunding for treatment abroad, which they believe is their only option.

Katie said: “We are in an impossible situation. Without investment in research to find out more about brain tumours, there will be no hope for patients like Jude. We really need lots of people to get involved in this challenge for Brain Tumour Research to help spread the word and to raise vital funds.”

A spokesman for the Dons said: “It is extremely moving to hear the stories of brain tumour patients and shocking to learn the statistics around this disease. We are really proud to be supporting Brain Tumour Research and hope, along with them, to give brain tumours the red card.”

You can find out to take part in the challenge here.

Brian Tumour research spokesman Hugh Adams said: “Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet, historically, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

“One person in three knows someone affected by a brain tumour. An estimated three million tickets will be sold for this year’s World Cup so that means more than one million fans attending will know the pain caused by this devastating disease.”