A mother from Leicestershire is marking the third anniversary of her son's death from a devastating brain cancer by championing a major new research initiative aimed at finding a cure.
A Mother's Mission for a Cure
Linda Peel, 59, from Groby, is supporting a significant £2.6 million investment from the charity Brain Tumour Research to launch a new Centre of Excellence at the University of Nottingham. The centre will focus specifically on tackling glioblastoma, the same aggressive brain cancer that claimed the life of her son, Andi, in January 2023.
Linda described her son as the funniest, most placid and amazing boy. "He was really fit and was always at the gym," she said. "He played basketball for several teams, and he had a good job as a manager at Carphone Warehouse. He loved cars and music, and he had a lovely house - he had everything going for him."
Focus on a Devastating Disease
At the Nottingham Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, scientists will employ cutting-edge techniques including artificial intelligence, advanced MRI imaging, and genomic analysis. Their goal is to better understand why glioblastoma almost always recurs after surgery and to accelerate progress towards improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
This tumour type carries a notoriously poor prognosis of just 12 to 18 months, with very limited treatment options available once it returns. Andi Peel's story is tragically typical. He was just 30 when diagnosed in January 2020 after months of worsening headaches initially dismissed as migraines and stress.
An MRI scan revealed the glioblastoma, leading to surgery at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite enduring this aggressive treatment, Andi's tumour continued to grow. The side effects were severe, and he eventually lost his sight completely. He died peacefully at home on January 11, 2023, with his mother by his side.
Funding the Fight for the Future
Linda's drive to find a cure is powered by her son's nearly three-year battle. "After watching my wonderful son fight a battle he could never win, finding a cure to this devastating disease is so important to me," she stated. She continues to fundraise in Andi's memory through Andi's Army, which has raised over £53,200 for Brain Tumour Research via marathons and charity basketball games.
Her advocacy highlights a critical funding gap: historically, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since 2002, despite them killing more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer. The charity is campaigning for a national annual spend of £35 million to improve survival rates.
"A dedicated hub like this will hopefully offer help and hope to other patients and families facing this awful disease," Linda said. "Knowing that scientists are solely focusing on treatment and, ultimately, a cure for glioblastoma really matters."
Dan Knowles, CEO of Brain Tumour Research, praised Linda's determination: "We are on the cusp of change - and this new Centre of Excellence will play a pivotal role in delivering cutting-edge research to bring about the cure that is so desperately needed. Together we will find a cure."
