Nottingham Daughter's Mountain Challenge for Father with Incurable Brain Cancer
A Nottingham woman is preparing to undertake the grueling National Three Peaks Challenge to honor her father, who is living with an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer. Kirsten Lowe, 35, will climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within 24 hours this July in support of her dad, Andrew Hayes, 61, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma in July 2025.
Sudden Diagnosis and Family Devastation
Andrew Hayes, from Nottingham, was initially taken to Queen's Medical Centre after experiencing severe head pain. A CT scan revealed a brain tumor, and subsequent MRI scans led doctors to suspect a glioma. He underwent brain surgery to debulk the tumor, with surgeons removing the majority while leaving only a small amount remaining.
A week later, the family received the devastating news that it was glioblastoma - an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer with a typical prognosis of 12 to 18 months.
"I was at home with my daughters when Mum called to tell me," Kirsten recalled. "It was heartbreaking. When we were given his prognosis, I couldn't accept it. I couldn't face knowing my dad had been given such a short amount of time to live."
Father's Silent Strength Through Treatment
Andrew underwent six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy at City Hospital in Nottingham. When this treatment proved ineffective, he began a different type of chemotherapy and is currently awaiting scan results to determine its success.
In the months following his diagnosis, Andrew has experienced significant memory loss, increased fatigue, and a loss of independence that forced him to surrender his driving licence and stop working as a print finisher.
"Dad doesn't talk about his cancer to me or my sister," Kirsten explained. "He doesn't know his prognosis and prefers not to discuss it. He has faced this journey with such silent strength and determination, even though we know how difficult it must be."
Before his diagnosis, Andrew enjoyed watching football, walking the family dog, and doing DIY projects. He is described by his daughter as genuine, resilient, hardworking, and "the most amazing Grandad" to Kirsten's daughters, Ayla and Ella.
Turning Fear into Positive Action
Kirsten is now channeling her family's experience into supporting Brain Tumour Research, the only national charity focused exclusively on finding a cure for all types of brain tumors. Her Three Peaks Challenge will raise vital funds for research, including work happening at the new Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at the University of Nottingham.
Scientists at this center are employing artificial intelligence, advanced brain imaging, and genomic techniques to better understand glioblastoma recurrence and accelerate progress toward improved treatments.
"After Dad's diagnosis, I felt an overwhelming need to turn the fear and helplessness into something positive," Kirsten said. "Climbing the three highest peaks in the UK feels symbolic of the emotional mountains we've had to climb as a family."
"Knowing that researchers at the Nottingham Centre of Excellence are working to better understand and treat glioblastoma gives us hope. It feels empowering to know that what I'm doing could help fund research and give other families hope for the future."
Charity Support and Research Goals
Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, expressed gratitude for Kirsten's efforts: "We are incredibly grateful to Kirsten for taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge in support of her dad and the wider brain tumour community. Turning such a devastating diagnosis into something positive takes immense courage and determination."
"Every step she takes up those mountains will help fund vital research into glioblastoma and bring us closer to better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Supporters like Kirsten are the driving force behind our work, helping to give hope to families facing this disease."
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centers across the UK and campaigns for increased government and larger cancer charity investment in brain tumor research. The charity advocates for a national annual spend of £35 million to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers like breast cancer and leukemia.
The Hayes family's experience has brought them closer together, with Kirsten noting: "Sixty-one is no age to be living with terminal brain cancer. It has devastated our family, but it has also brought us closer together and reminded us how important it is to cherish every moment."
