Schoolgirl's cycle challenge in memory of “Uncle” Tom Parker - Brain Tumour Research

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24 October 2022

A schoolgirl related to the pop star Tom Parker organised a super cycling challenge in his memory.

Rosie’s Ride for Research saw nine-year-old Rosie Parker and a dozen of her schoolfriends cycle 5km at Halesowen Cycling Club in Birmingham yesterday. The challenge, which was sponsored by Halfords in Oldbury, saw riders aged from nine to 59 taking part, including Rosie’s grandad, Chris Woodward. Tom’s parents were there to support Rosie on the day with dad Nigel taking part in the ride and mum, Noreen handing medals to the cyclists as they crossed the finish line.

It was the latest fundraising endeavour Rosie had organised in memory of her beloved ‘Uncle Tom’ after he passed away from a glioblastoma (GBM) on 30^th March 2022, aged 33. In April, she baked and sold dog treats raising more than £2,000 for Brain Tumour Research.

Her mum Leanne, who is Tom’s cousin, said: “Rosie was incredibly upset when Tom died, we all were but she was inspired by his strength. I remember shortly after he died she said to me ‘we need to be strong like Tom, we need to be positive Parkers’, something he always used to say.”

Rosie raised an incredible £1,195 from her ride. She has now smashed her target to raise more than £2,740 to sponsor a day of research at one of our Centres of Excellence.

Leanne added: “As a family we were shocked at the lack of treatment options into this disease. We would search for hours on end online, hoping to find an answer and save Tom, but there was so little that could help.

“Rosie and I hope that by sharing our story and taking part in fundraising events, we can prevent this from happening to other families.”

To support Rosie’s amazing fundraising, please visit her JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Rosie-Parker2