Latest news with #BrainTumourResearch
Powys County Times
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Rhayader farmer aims to break British sheep shearing record
A TWO-time Welsh champion shearer from Powys is teaming up with a national team colleague to try and set a British record. Gethin Lewis, a farmer from Rhayader, will be attempting the 8-hour two stand British ewe record, along with Welsh team-mate Llyr Evans, next weekend. The event will take place on Saturday, July 12, at Glan Elan Farm, Cwmdauddwr, just outside Rhayader, where Gethin, 29, has farmed his whole life. Gethin has already achieved many feats in the shearing world, including becoming back-to-back champion shearer of Wales at the Royal Welsh Show, in both 2023 and 2024. He has also represented Wales for three seasons in New Zealand and was part of the first-ever Welsh test match team to win on Kiwi soil. After 12 months of training and preparation, the duo will now attempt the 8-hour two stand British ewe record, while raising money for the Wales Air Ambulance and Brain Tumour Research. 'Since being involved with Nick Greaves and Llyr Jones' nine-hour lamb record in 2022, it inspired me to want to attempt one myself,' said Gethin. 'So, in 2023, we set out a personal best/tally day to see if I could shear 700 ewes in nine hours. I managed to shear 737, which motivated me further to try a record attempt with Llyr (Evans), who had shorn a tally of 734 in 2024." Llyr, from Trawsgoed, near Aberystwyth, said: 'I have helped with several records and enjoyed being involved and supporting the attempt. 'I always enjoy being surrounded by hard-working people, which makes me push myself a bit more to get to their level.' Gethin grew up on the family farm at Glan Elan, which has over 1,000 breeding ewes and a 60-head suckler herd. He started shearing aged 17, after leaving college, and currently runs a shearing business in partnership with a friend, which was passed down to them in 2022. Shearing season begins in mid-May and finishes just after the Royal Welsh Show, at the end of July. 'I have been a part of the Welsh speed shearing team for two seasons, winning speed shear test matches in New Zealand and in Australia at the Wagga Wagga Speed Shear in 2024,' added Gethin. 'I have also (recently) become a shearing instructor, which I enjoy.' Llyr lives on the home farm of Hendre Rhys and starts his season shearing around the UK, before returning home in June. Llyr has completed six seasons shearing in New Zealand and has also shorn in Norway and Denmark. Gethin and Llyr's attempt at establishing the first British record at this discipline will start at 7am on July 12, with the first run. The second run will be from 9.30-11.30am, the third is from 12.30-2.30pm and the final run is from 3-5pm.
STV News
2 days ago
- Health
- STV News
MSP vows to continue campaign for brain tumour cure after leaving Holyrood
An MSP who has been campaigning for a brain tumour cure since her daughter was diagnosed with one more than a decade ago has vowed to continue the fight when she leaves Holyrood. Beatrice Wishart has been a supporter of the charity Brain Tumour Research since her daughter Louise Fraser, now 47, was diagnosed in 2012. The Liberal Democrat MSP for the Shetland Islands will step down from frontline politics at the 2026 Holyrood election. But the 69-year-old said that will not stop her from continuing to push for more research into brain tumours. PA Media Beatrice Wishart and other MSPs supporting Wear A Hat Day at Holyrood in aid of Brain Tumour Research (Brain Tumour Research/PA). 'Louise had suffered with debilitating migraines for many years, so we were used to the phone calls and knew the routine – help with the children, keep things quiet, and let her rest in a dark room,' Ms Wishart said. 'But on New Year's Day (2012) she became seriously unwell. When I went to check on her, she wasn't speaking properly and I honestly thought she'd had a stroke. It was terrifying. 'Due to staff shortages and as there wasn't an MRI scanner in Shetland at the time, it took a few days before she was flown to Aberdeen. 'That's when we were told it was a brain tumour. Your whole world falls apart when you hear those words, especially when it's your child. 'I remember being told it was low-grade and slow-growing, but the diagnosis still knocked the wind out of me. 'In that moment, everything changed. 'Once I had a better understanding of Louise's treatment, I wanted to know more about the prevalence of brain tumours and that led to wanting to do something to raise awareness for more research, ultimately leading to better support and early diagnoses for other families going through the same fear and uncertainty.' PA Media The Fraser family including Louise, right, completed the Edinburgh half-marathon in May in aid of Brain Tumour Research (Brain Tumour Research/PA). Ms Fraser underwent surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and her tumour is now stable and monitored regularly. Brain Tumour Research said tumours can impact people of any age, and kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer. But just 1% of the national spend on cancer goes to brain tumour research, it said. Ms Wishart has campaigned for more money to fund brain tumour research and ensure people can receive an earlier diagnosis. The MSP helped set up Holyrood's Cross-Party Group on Brain Tumours and has supported the launch of the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, which Brain Tumour Research described as a 'game-changing' collaboration with the Beatson Cancer Charity. Following the death of Ms Fraser's husband Kris from a brain haemorrhage in 2024, Ms Wishart continued to increase her support for the charity. The Liberal Democrat has helped raise thousands of pounds through various events in memory of Mr Fraser and in ongoing support of her daughter. PA Media Beatrice Wishart, second right, with her daughters Louise Fraser, centre, and Clare Inkster, right, wearing hats in support of the charity (Brain Tumour Research/PA). As she prepares to leave the Scottish Parliament next year, Ms Wishart pledged to continue to fight for those with brain tumours. She said: 'Just because I'm stepping back from Parliament doesn't mean I'll stop fighting for this cause. 'Brain tumours have had a profound impact on my family, and I know we are not alone. I will keep speaking up, sharing our story, and doing whatever I can to push for change. 'I'm proud of what was started in the Scottish Parliament, and know the Cross-Party Group will continue to carry that work forward. Only together will we find a cure for this devastating disease.' Thomas Brayford, policy and public affairs manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: 'Beatrice has been an outstanding advocate for the brain tumour community in Scotland. 'From raising policy issues in Parliament to supporting events in her local area, she has helped give a voice to so many families and inspired others to act. 'We are incredibly grateful for everything she has done and continues to do.' To support Ms Wishart and her family's ongoing fundraising efforts, visit Just Giving. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
MSP vows to continue campaign for brain tumour cure after leaving Holyrood
Beatrice Wishart has been a supporter of the charity Brain Tumour Research since her daughter Louise Fraser, now 47, was diagnosed in 2012. The Liberal Democrat MSP for the Shetland Islands will step down from frontline politics at the 2026 Holyrood election. But the 69-year-old said that will not stop her from continuing to push for more research into brain tumours. 'Louise had suffered with debilitating migraines for many years, so we were used to the phone calls and knew the routine – help with the children, keep things quiet, and let her rest in a dark room,' Ms Wishart said. 'But on New Year's Day (2012) she became seriously unwell. When I went to check on her, she wasn't speaking properly and I honestly thought she'd had a stroke. It was terrifying. 'Due to staff shortages and as there wasn't an MRI scanner in Shetland at the time, it took a few days before she was flown to Aberdeen. 'That's when we were told it was a brain tumour. Your whole world falls apart when you hear those words, especially when it's your child. 'I remember being told it was low-grade and slow-growing, but the diagnosis still knocked the wind out of me. 'In that moment, everything changed. 'Once I had a better understanding of Louise's treatment, I wanted to know more about the prevalence of brain tumours and that led to wanting to do something to raise awareness for more research, ultimately leading to better support and early diagnoses for other families going through the same fear and uncertainty.' Ms Fraser underwent surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and her tumour is now stable and monitored regularly. Brain Tumour Research said tumours can impact people of any age, and kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer. But just 1% of the national spend on cancer goes to brain tumour research, it said. Ms Wishart has campaigned for more money to fund brain tumour research and ensure people can receive an earlier diagnosis. The MSP helped set up Holyrood's Cross-Party Group on Brain Tumours and has supported the launch of the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, which Brain Tumour Research described as a 'game-changing' collaboration with the Beatson Cancer Charity. Following the death of Ms Fraser's husband Kris from a brain haemorrhage in 2024, Ms Wishart continued to increase her support for the charity. The Liberal Democrat has helped raise thousands of pounds through various events in memory of Mr Fraser and in ongoing support of her daughter. As she prepares to leave the Scottish Parliament next year, Ms Wishart pledged to continue to fight for those with brain tumours. She said: 'Just because I'm stepping back from Parliament doesn't mean I'll stop fighting for this cause. 'Brain tumours have had a profound impact on my family, and I know we are not alone. I will keep speaking up, sharing our story, and doing whatever I can to push for change. 'I'm proud of what was started in the Scottish Parliament, and know the Cross-Party Group will continue to carry that work forward. Only together will we find a cure for this devastating disease.' Thomas Brayford, policy and public affairs manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: 'Beatrice has been an outstanding advocate for the brain tumour community in Scotland. 'From raising policy issues in Parliament to supporting events in her local area, she has helped give a voice to so many families and inspired others to act. 'We are incredibly grateful for everything she has done and continues to do.' To support Ms Wishart and her family's ongoing fundraising efforts, visit:
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
MSP vows to continue campaign for brain tumour cure after leaving Holyrood
Beatrice Wishart has been a supporter of the charity Brain Tumour Research since her daughter Louise Fraser, now 47, was diagnosed in 2012. The Liberal Democrat MSP for the Shetland Islands will step down from frontline politics at the 2026 Holyrood election. But the 69-year-old said that will not stop her from continuing to push for more research into brain tumours. 'Louise had suffered with debilitating migraines for many years, so we were used to the phone calls and knew the routine – help with the children, keep things quiet, and let her rest in a dark room,' Ms Wishart said. 'But on New Year's Day (2012) she became seriously unwell. When I went to check on her, she wasn't speaking properly and I honestly thought she'd had a stroke. It was terrifying. 'Due to staff shortages and as there wasn't an MRI scanner in Shetland at the time, it took a few days before she was flown to Aberdeen. 'That's when we were told it was a brain tumour. Your whole world falls apart when you hear those words, especially when it's your child. 'I remember being told it was low-grade and slow-growing, but the diagnosis still knocked the wind out of me. 'In that moment, everything changed. 'Once I had a better understanding of Louise's treatment, I wanted to know more about the prevalence of brain tumours and that led to wanting to do something to raise awareness for more research, ultimately leading to better support and early diagnoses for other families going through the same fear and uncertainty.' Ms Fraser underwent surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and her tumour is now stable and monitored regularly. Brain Tumour Research said tumours can impact people of any age, and kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer. But just 1% of the national spend on cancer goes to brain tumour research, it said. Ms Wishart has campaigned for more money to fund brain tumour research and ensure people can receive an earlier diagnosis. The MSP helped set up Holyrood's Cross-Party Group on Brain Tumours and has supported the launch of the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, which Brain Tumour Research described as a 'game-changing' collaboration with the Beatson Cancer Charity. Following the death of Ms Fraser's husband Kris from a brain haemorrhage in 2024, Ms Wishart continued to increase her support for the charity. The Liberal Democrat has helped raise thousands of pounds through various events in memory of Mr Fraser and in ongoing support of her daughter. As she prepares to leave the Scottish Parliament next year, Ms Wishart pledged to continue to fight for those with brain tumours. She said: 'Just because I'm stepping back from Parliament doesn't mean I'll stop fighting for this cause. 'Brain tumours have had a profound impact on my family, and I know we are not alone. I will keep speaking up, sharing our story, and doing whatever I can to push for change. 'I'm proud of what was started in the Scottish Parliament, and know the Cross-Party Group will continue to carry that work forward. Only together will we find a cure for this devastating disease.' Thomas Brayford, policy and public affairs manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: 'Beatrice has been an outstanding advocate for the brain tumour community in Scotland. 'From raising policy issues in Parliament to supporting events in her local area, she has helped give a voice to so many families and inspired others to act. 'We are incredibly grateful for everything she has done and continues to do.' To support Ms Wishart and her family's ongoing fundraising efforts, visit:
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
MSP vows to continue campaign for brain tumour cure after leaving Holyrood
Beatrice Wishart has been a supporter of the charity Brain Tumour Research since her daughter Louise Fraser, now 47, was diagnosed in 2012. The Liberal Democrat MSP for the Shetland Islands will step down from frontline politics at the 2026 Holyrood election. But the 69-year-old said that will not stop her from continuing to push for more research into brain tumours. 'Louise had suffered with debilitating migraines for many years, so we were used to the phone calls and knew the routine – help with the children, keep things quiet, and let her rest in a dark room,' Ms Wishart said. 'But on New Year's Day (2012) she became seriously unwell. When I went to check on her, she wasn't speaking properly and I honestly thought she'd had a stroke. It was terrifying. 'Due to staff shortages and as there wasn't an MRI scanner in Shetland at the time, it took a few days before she was flown to Aberdeen. 'That's when we were told it was a brain tumour. Your whole world falls apart when you hear those words, especially when it's your child. 'I remember being told it was low-grade and slow-growing, but the diagnosis still knocked the wind out of me. 'In that moment, everything changed. 'Once I had a better understanding of Louise's treatment, I wanted to know more about the prevalence of brain tumours and that led to wanting to do something to raise awareness for more research, ultimately leading to better support and early diagnoses for other families going through the same fear and uncertainty.' Ms Fraser underwent surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and her tumour is now stable and monitored regularly. Brain Tumour Research said tumours can impact people of any age, and kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer. But just 1% of the national spend on cancer goes to brain tumour research, it said. Ms Wishart has campaigned for more money to fund brain tumour research and ensure people can receive an earlier diagnosis. The MSP helped set up Holyrood's Cross-Party Group on Brain Tumours and has supported the launch of the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, which Brain Tumour Research described as a 'game-changing' collaboration with the Beatson Cancer Charity. Following the death of Ms Fraser's husband Kris from a brain haemorrhage in 2024, Ms Wishart continued to increase her support for the charity. The Liberal Democrat has helped raise thousands of pounds through various events in memory of Mr Fraser and in ongoing support of her daughter. As she prepares to leave the Scottish Parliament next year, Ms Wishart pledged to continue to fight for those with brain tumours. She said: 'Just because I'm stepping back from Parliament doesn't mean I'll stop fighting for this cause. 'Brain tumours have had a profound impact on my family, and I know we are not alone. I will keep speaking up, sharing our story, and doing whatever I can to push for change. 'I'm proud of what was started in the Scottish Parliament, and know the Cross-Party Group will continue to carry that work forward. Only together will we find a cure for this devastating disease.' Thomas Brayford, policy and public affairs manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: 'Beatrice has been an outstanding advocate for the brain tumour community in Scotland. 'From raising policy issues in Parliament to supporting events in her local area, she has helped give a voice to so many families and inspired others to act. 'We are incredibly grateful for everything she has done and continues to do.' To support Ms Wishart and her family's ongoing fundraising efforts, visit:
