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How Sharon Raised Vital Funding in Memory of her Late Son

Dining room full of glamorous women

Sharon, who is running the 2027 London Marathon in support of Brain Research UK, organised an event to help her reach her £5,000 target. She tells us how she achieved this based on her experience fundraising with her son Jay:

“Twelve months after my son Jay was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), he started his own charity Inbetweenears. He wanted to give something back and support other young adults facing brain cancer. Over the years, together we have raised an incredible £250,000.

One of our most loved events has been Ladies Who Lunch — held nine times, welcoming around 350 amazing women each time. More than just a fundraiser, we became a family. These ladies have shared laughter, friendship, and the journey of my beautiful son Jay, who we sadly lost on 7th March 2022.

To raise £5,000 for Brain Research UK, I decided to draw on that same spirit and host a special, one-off Ladies Who Party.

On Saturday 28th February, 260 wonderful ladies filled the stunning ballroom at Accrington Town Hall, beneath the grand chandeliers and sweeping staircase, for an evening of dancing, fun and friendship.

We enjoyed a Pie and Peas supper, and had some fundraising activities such as our much-loved Alternative Auction, games like Heads and Tails, The Birthday Game, Find the Star, and of course three rounds of the famous String Bottle Game!

The focus was simple: dance, laugh, celebrate — and make a difference.

I’m so proud to say the event raised £5,794.24. Combined with my JustGiving page, that’s a total of over £8,000.00 for BrainResearch UK.

The Ladies who Party enjoying their wonderful night.

I chose to support BRUK because brain cancer took my son. More must be done to find treatments that prolong life and to raise awareness for those facing this devastating diagnosis.

To the incredible, loyal, generous ladies who continue to show up, support and stand beside me — thank you. You are truly marvellous. Jay’s legacy lives on through you all.

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