Family hands over £4,000-plus in memory of farmer

7:01am Thursday 8th May 2008

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THE family of a farmer who died of a brain tumour has raised more than £4,000 to help research into the disease.

Bernard Lowther, from Kirby Sigston, near Northallerton, died in January after fighting a brain tumour for several years.

His family decided to raise money in his memory for the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where he was treated.

Parents, Jillian and Don, and son James, six, asked family and friends for donations at his funeral, which was attended by more than 600 people. Additional donations were received from local organisations and members of the community.

At a special presentation at the Haynes Arms, Kirby Sigston, on Thursday of last week, James presented a cheque for £4,105 to Phil Kane, the hospital's consultant neurosurgeon and chief of service for neurosciences.

Jillian Lowther said: "His uncle Chris started the ball rolling after raising £650 at a party but we had lots of generous donations from the Hurworth Hunt Ball, Hurworth point-to-point committee and the Hurworth Hunt foot supporters.

"Donations also came from the local cricket teams and local leagues Bernard played for and against. His uncle Malcolm collected donations at his retirement party and we also received generous donations from individuals.

"The support we have received has been overwhelming and we'd like to thank everyone who has given so generously. Bernard lived life to the full and that was thanks to the support we had from everyone who helped us look after him over the last five years."

The money will go to a neurosurgical research fund that will look at the basic science of brain tumours and the way they behave to improve patient care.

Mr Kane said: "This is a fantastic amount of money and will allow us to take forward some important pieces of research. We are extremely grateful to Bernard's family who, even in such sad circumstances, have thought about helping other patients and families in a similar situation.

"One of our consultant neuropsychologists is already doing some research looking at the emotional problems and psychological distress in patients with brain tumours and their families and hopefully we can build on the results of this and focus our research to directly improve patient care."