Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

Some of you may know Hatty, a friend and an incredibly strong rower (who ace's the 14 x 1500m's) has suffered from a pituitary brain tumour this year. 

Hatty's tumour is a unique case of its own, with a mind of its own. We would like to raise money for the Brocklehurst Neurosurgical Fund who have provided specialised tools needed to make Hatty's brain surgeries possible. 

The Fund also supports the promotion of Neurosurgical practice in the East Yorkshire and neighbouring counties by the purchasing and maintenance of research equipment, the provision of facilities for teaching and educational materials for medical staff. 

Just because we are rowers does not mean we are good at running! So we (the rowers) have decided to put our oars to rest and get on our running shoes and step up to the Great North Run Challenge and raise money for this special cause. A penny or a pound - anything would be greatly appreciated.

More information about The Brocklehurst Neurosurgical Fund

What is so different about the Brocklehurst Neurosurgical Fund is that there is very little information when you google it. Why is that you may ask? 

No money is spent on advertising, fundraisers and leaflets etc. but everything that is raised will go straight into the funds pot so it can be spent on much needed materials and equipment. 

It has 4 trustees on the board, an accountant, a solicitor and 2 of Hull's leading Neurosurgeons, Bruce Matthew and Gerry O'Reilly. The fund was originally set up by Gordon Brocklehurst who made the remarkable journey from Barnardo Boy to Brain Surgeon. A medical student at Cambridge, he eventually specialised in surgery and became a neurosurgeon. 

So how has the Brocklehurst Neurosurgical Fund helped Hatty? 

Bruce Matthews taught Mr Bahl who has done an exceptional job in looking after Hatty so far - going above and beyond and checking in on Hatty daily, come rain or shine. He has been a trustee for 21 years and explained the hoops they need to jump through if they need to get a new piece of equipment. Approximately 30 pages of forms need to be filled out (we all know how much time goes into form filling) before a decision can be made - which may not be successful in the end. 

In unique cases like Hatty's, where specialised equipment is urgently needed for a specific operation then they simply turn to the fund. It allows them to make sure they have what they need in a world where the NHS is being stretched all ways.   

Hull neurosurgery punches above their weight. They are able to have the best speakers to keep abreast of the latest research and techniques thanks to the fund. They have bought the very best microscopes for spinal surgery and endoscopic equipment for brain surgery. 

Half the work performed in Hull is spinal, neck and lumbar. They are also a major trauma centre, servicing the whole of the North Sea dealing with all head injuries and trauma cases. They see a lot of brain tumors and most importantly for us they are also specialist in pituitaries. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

THE BROCKLEHURST NEUROSURGICAL FUND Registered charity number 513070