The Hambledon Hilly, a popular running event in Hampshire, is expanding its charitable reach this year by partnering with Brain Tumour Research, a charity dedicated to funding research into brain tumours. Now in its 11th year, the event will also continue to support local causes such as Hambledon Primary School.
The decision to support Brain Tumour Research was inspired by the personal experience of the event's co-founder, Chris Crowe, who has witnessed his brother Andrew's long-term health challenges following a low-grade brain tumour diagnosis nearly 25 years ago.
Co-founder's Personal Motivation
Chris Crowe, co-founder and organiser of the run, shared the emotional story behind the partnership: “Watching the decline of my once vibrant brother has been heart-breaking. He used to travel to far-flung destinations armed with his trusty camera, capturing precious experiences. Now his life is so greatly limited – mostly centred around watching sport on TV.”
He added: “Although his brain tumour has remained low-grade for nearly 25 years, the impact of repeated brain surgery and radiotherapy means his health is really not good. We desperately need kinder treatments and ultimately a cure for all types of brain tumours. And we hope participants and families at the Hambledon Hilly will help us hit our fundraising stride for Brain Tumour Research.”
Event Details and Fundraising Impact
The Hambledon Hilly is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, at Hambledon Vineyard in Hambledon. Registration details and entry fees are available on the event website. Money raised will support dedicated research centres working to discover better treatments and cures for all types of brain tumours.
Letty Greenfield, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, expressed gratitude: “We are very grateful to Chris and everyone involved with the Hambledon Hilly for supporting our cause. Andrew’s story is a powerful reminder of how unpredictable brain tumours can be and why continued investment in research is so vital. Every pound raised helps bring us closer to better treatments and ultimately a cure – together we can help research pick up the pace.”
How to Get Involved
For more information and to register for the event, visit www.hambledonhilly.com. To make a donation, visit www.braintumourresearch.org/donate-now. The event aims to raise significant funds for brain tumour research, which remains one of the least funded cancer research areas despite accounting for a high number of cancer deaths.
Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, yet historically they have received less than 1% of national cancer research spending. The partnership with the Hambledon Hilly is part of a broader effort to increase funding and accelerate research into this devastating disease.
Community Support and Local Impact
In addition to supporting Brain Tumour Research, the event will continue to raise money for Hambledon Primary School, reflecting its commitment to local community causes. The combination of national and local charitable support underscores the event's dual mission to make a difference both locally and nationally.
Participants are encouraged to register early, as the event typically attracts a strong turnout from the running community. The scenic route through the Hampshire countryside offers a challenging but rewarding experience for runners of all abilities.
The event's expansion reflects a growing trend among grassroots sporting events to align with charitable causes that resonate personally with organisers and participants. By leveraging personal stories like Andrew's, the Hambledon Hilly hopes to inspire greater participation and donations.
