Great Harwood woman taking on Yorkshire three peaks challenge for charity

Faye Lynch, 39, from Great Harwood, is in training for the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge on May 14.

It comes after her dad, Allan Barnes, 63, died from a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in January, just nine months after being diagnosed.

Faye Lynch

Faye first realised something was wrong in April 2021 when her mum, Elizabeth, told her that Allan was struggling to finish his sentences.

Faye said: “Mum said the doctor had prescribed him antibiotics, and I asked ‘why?’ because it seemed so odd.

“I phoned my dad to ask him about it, and he was finding it hard to complete what he was saying.

“After calling his GP, I took him to Accident and Emergency at Royal Blackburn Hospital because I thought he’d had a stroke.

“A CT scan revealed a mass on Dad’s brain, with the doctor telling us that ‘his life would change significantly’.”

Faye Lynch (right) with Allan Barnes and family. (Photo: Brain Tumour Research)

Allan spent one week in hospital in Blackburn while waiting for the MRI scan.

Faye said: “Dad was put on steroids which really altered his mood. His scan was followed by two biopsies at Preston Hospital.

“We were told he had an inoperable GBM and that he had seven to twelve months to live.

“It was a massive shock and we were all devastated.”

Allan underwent six weeks of radiotherapy and was meant to have six months of chemotherapy, but only managed three rounds, which left him feeling very tired and depressed.

On January 14, Allan died at home with his loving family by his side.

Faye will be joined by her Aunt, Lucy Barnes, for the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge on May 14 to raise money for the Brain Tumour Research charity.

The challenge, which is nestled within the Pennine Range of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is on the bucket list of many walkers.

Competitors must walk 25 miles and scale the summit of the iconic three peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in 12 hours.

Faye said: “What my family has been through is horrendous.

“Brain tumours are more common than many think, but there have been no advances in treatment options for 50 years.

“Having radiotherapy and chemotherapy was the worst thing Dad could have done. He was never happy again after.

“If the money I raise helps just one family, then it’s worth it.”

Faye has set up a JustGiving page for her challenge. She is hoping to raise £400.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet, historically, just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

 Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK singularly focused on finding a cure for brain tumours through campaigning for an increase in the national investment into research to £35 million per year.

It is also fundraising to create a sustainable network of brain tumour research centres in the UK.

Matthew Price, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re really grateful to Faye as it’s only with the support of people like her that we’re able to progress our research into brain tumours and improve the outcome for patients like Allan who are forced to fight this awful disease.

“Unlike many other cancers, brain tumours are indiscriminate. They can affect anyone at any time. Too little is known about the causes and that is why increased investment in research is vital.”

Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and the larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.

To donate to Faye’s JustGiving page, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/faye-lynch2

To sign up for Yorkshire three peaks, visit: https://www.braintumourresearch.org/fundraise/take-on-a-challenge/event/2022/05/14/take-on-the-challenge/yorkshire-three-peaks-may-2022