Tributes paid to Stewkley man on second anniversary of death from brain tumour, as family continue fundraising
Tributes have been paid to a Stewkley man on the second anniversary of his death from a brain tumour, as his family continue their fundraising efforts.
Simon Penwright died in November 2023 at the age of 52 after being diagnosed with a multifocal glioblastoma, a type of cancer that can form in the brain or spinal cord.
Since his diagnosis Simon’s friends and family have raised more than £50,000 for the Brain Tumour Research charity through fundraising, with their most recent event a quiz night held at Southcott Village Residents Association in Linslade which raised £1,000.
Paying tribute on the second anniversary of Simon’s death his wife Emily said: “Everybody always described Simon as a gentleman which is what he was.
“He was a businessman, but he was also an amazing husband, an amazing step-dad, amazing dad, amazing son, sibling and friend to many.
“He was so funny. We miss his humour and laughter a lot in the house.
“He was very organised, proactive and could turn his hand to everything. I just miss him so much.
“If I have some news, he's not here for me to tell him. Or if the girls do something nice or exciting, he's not there to share in it. His death has left a huge void in our lives.”
Simon received the diagnosis after waking with a severe headache, and struggling with his senses of taste and smell.
He underwent surgery in February 2023 which was followed by courses of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Emily, who works at Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes, said she was supporting the Brain Tumour Research Christmas appeal, to help fund research into the condition.
“Fundraising has given us something positive to focus on and we wanted to do something so other families don't have to go through what we have gone through,” she said.
“At the quiz, there was a toast in his name so it keeps his memory living on.
“I would urge people to donate to the Brain Tumour Research Christmas Appeal because the disease is so underfunded but affects far more people than anybody can ever imagine.
“Your donation can make a real difference by funding game changing research to help fund a cure to help other families in the future.”
Brain Tumour Research, which has its headquarters in Milton Keynes, recently announced a multi-million-pound investment in a new Centre of Research Excellence at the University of Nottingham.
As part of the study researchers will use artificial intelligence to combine genomic data and advanced MRI imaging to predict the earliest signs of brain cancer reoccurring.
It is hoped this will provide options for personalised treatments to give patients a better prognosis and quality of life.
Community development manager for Brain Tumour Research Charlie Allsebrook said: “Simon’s story is devastating and we are all thinking of his family on the anniversary of his passing.
“We are so grateful to Emily for sharing Simon’s story which we hope inspires others to support our Christmas appeal.
“With more funding and awareness, we can improve outcomes and one day find a cure.”