Thank you for visiting our page. Our son, Alec, was a gorgeous nine year old who made the most of every day until passing away peacefully in January 2008 from an inoperable brain tumour. This page unites the events that his family and friends have chosen to dedicate to the inspiration of his courage, humour and smile.
Our Fundraising
Sadly, more children and young adults still die from brain tumours than from any other cancer. Alec made us promise that we would try to stop this happening to others, but we did not then appreciate the shocking frequency with which this disease occurs; nor could we imagine the number of families within our community who have also been devastated by the same disease, both before and since Alec’s death. It is therefore a difficult promise to keep. Some of the ways we have tried to fulfil that promise are highlighted below.
We continue to raise funds in Alec’s memory, with huge thanks to all those contributing to beating this brutal disease.
The Normand Family
Everest in the Alps, 2019
In March 2019, Team Sagarmatha raised over £200k for The Alec Normand Fund in the amazing challenge ‘Everest in the Alps’.
This was an incredible effort by an incredible team. All funds will go to the Everest Centre for Paediatric Brain Tumour Research.
The Sunflower Ball
May 2018
To mark this 10th year since Alec died, we held The Sunflower Ball on 12th May 2018, with 300 people joining us in the garden that Alec loved. Thank you to all those who helped us raise over £250,000 to change the future for others and fulfil our promise to Alec.
Every pound raised went to The Brain Tumour Charity ‘Alec Normand Fund’ to support three projects chosen for their potential to extend our understanding of brain tumours and improve outcomes for those suffering from the disease.
South West Coast Path
2007-2019
In 2019 we completed the South West Coast Path on Alec’s 21st birthday – 630 miles of coastline which Libby (my sister) and I had committed to completing in manageable chunks. We started at Minehead in September 2007 and then around Land’s End (with the Olympic Torch!) in 2012. The walk was a glorious and cathartic experience in the company of assorted family and friends.
Others have also raised funds in various ways over the years: our daughter’s school (Cheam) with Gift Fairs; our sons’ old prep school, Elstree, with ‘Bandana day’ each year in Alec’s memory and raising huge amounts through walks; and we have also done several cycle rides and (mini!) triathlons including Capital to Coast in 2014 and Nightrider in 2013.
As the charity does not deduct admin costs from named funds, 100% of your donation will go to research. The Charity exists principally to find a cure for childhood and adult Brain Tumours through funding research and also offers support, hope and information to patients and their families. Donating through this site is straightforward and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: the Charity will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 25% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. So please sponsor any of us – your donation is greatly appreciated.
Many thanks from the Normand family and friends.
