EIGHT Somerset schools have chosen to support Brain Tumour Research in memory of a community police officer who sadly died from the disease.
The schools, which are all part of The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT), have selected Brain Tumour Research as their official charity of the year.
They picked the charity after Jim Murray, a friend of TPLT, died of the disease in December 2020 at the age of 53.
Jim, who served as the community police officer for Priory Community School Academy in Weston-super-Mare, has been described as a "superb gentleman and community policeman" who is "incredibly missed".
In December 2017, problems with Jim's vision worsened, and he was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment kept his tumour stable until October 2019, when he started to experience light-headedness.
An emergency MRI scan at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, showed that his brain was swollen.
A follow-up MRI confirmed Jim's tumour had returned and he would need a second operation on his brain.
Jim, who lived in Bridgwater and was awarded a medal for his service and conduct in November 2018, passed away on December 26, 2020.
He left behind his wife Ally; three sons, Callum, Simon and Richard; four grandchildren, and a close family friend and unofficially adopted son, Wayne Byles.
Jim's children and Wayne set up a fundraising group, Canoeing for a Cure, under the umbrella of Brain Tumour Research.
The schools involved in the year-long partnership include Pawlett Primary School Academy (Bridgwater), The King Alfred School Academy, West Huntspill Primary Academy, and East Huntspill Primary Academy (all Highbridge area).
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, large-scale fundraising events have not always been possible.
In December, The King Alfred School Academy took part in a festive fundraiser by releasing a cover of Band Aid's 'Do They Know it's Christmas?'.
The school is planning to host non-uniform days and more in-person fundraising events when Covid restrictions allow them to.
In recent years, the trust's schools have raised more than £130,000 for charities.
Neville Coles, CEO of TPLT, said: "Jim was a superb gentleman and community policeman.
"He is so incredibly missed by all of us.
"We are delighted to partner with Brain Tumour Research in his memory."
Mel Tiley, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Jim’s family and Canoeing for a Cure have been wonderfully supportive of the charity and it’s great to see that Jim has now inspired a community of school children and staff to fundraise to help find a cure for the deadly disease.
"We’re looking forward to a year-long partnership with TPLT, helping us to fund vital research to find a cure."
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK.
It also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, find a cure.
For more information about supporting Brain Tumour Research, visit: www.braintumourresearch.org/fundraise.
Read more: Taunton care home worker steps up for Brain Tumour Research fundraiser
Read more: Tributes paid to former Somerset police officer who died from brain tumour on Boxing Day
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