This Sunday at 12pm at Nottingham Hockey Centre, Beeston, Loughborough Students and Sevenoaks are coming together to raise money for the John Van Geest Cancer Research Centre. Martin Dawkins, father of former Beeston and Loughborough goalkeeper Lucy Dawkins has been diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) brain tumour with a prognosis of ‘terminal’.
The average life expectancy of patients diagnosed with GMB, based on survival rates is between 4 and 14 months following diagnosis. The GBM brain tumour is the deadliest of all tumours….it kills more people than the 120 other types of tumours put together. Now, over 20 months later, and having undergone surgery, radio and chemotherapy, Martin has managed to adjust as close as he can to a ‘normal’ life by returning to his job at the Sports Development Centre, Loughborough University and as a volunteer at Trent Bridge cricket ground, Nottingham. At some point in the future, he is hoping to resume his work as a guest lecturer at Nottingham Trent University.
When Lucy played for both Beeston and Loughborough, Martin would always be one of the most vocal and dedicated of the supporters, travelling home and away to every game. Even now with Lucy retired from hockey, Martin is still a keen watcher of the sport and can often be seen at games supporting both teams.
In the early days following his diagnosis and treatment, Martin admitted they were rather ‘dark’ times, but he was determined to adopt a positive strategy to tackle this disease. His strategy has had many elements including being active as possible – physically and mentally – and concentrating on the positive, enjoyable aspects of life rather than his situation.
Continuing to follow a fit and healthy lifestyle is a vital part of his strategy and in recent months he returned to running and swimming in order to regain his fitness and in September he achieved the remarkable fear of completing The Great North Run. Martin has now re-set his focus on something even more ambitious, completing the London Marathon this year!
Martin will be running in support of the John Van Geest Cancer Research Centre, located at Nottingham Trent University. The JVGCC is involved in many areas of cancer research. A recent development has been work undertaken to develop a vaccine that may be effective against the Glioblastoma Multiforme tumour.
He is determined to make a contribution to this vital research work which is entirely funded by donations and sponsorship. 100% of any donations the centre receives are used directly on lifesaving research. This is why bBeeston Hockey Club, Loughborough Students and Sevenoaks have come together to support Martin and his fundraising efforts.
On Sunday, Beeston Ladies 1st XI play Sevenoaks in the EH Cup Quarter Final at 12:30pm followed by the Men’s 1st XI who play Loughborough Students in the EH Premier League at 2:30pm.
*Cake sale
*Raffle
*Auction
*Sweet Shop
*Half-time entertainment
*Merchandise
If you would like to support Martin’s fund raising efforts come along this Sunday – Join in, donate & lets tackle cancer together.
To watch a video about Martin and for more information on the research follow these links:
Scientists working to develop new vaccine for most deadly brain tumour
