Burton Albion, Pirelli raise £3000 for The Brain Tumour Charity

Funds raised by football fans parking at the Pirelli site on Derby Road have helped to raise £3000 for The Brain Tumour Charity. Pirelli and Burton Albion FC have worked together for a number of years, and more recently supporters have been using the Pirelli car park – next to the Pirelli Stadium – on match days. In total, £2,500 has been raised by this activity. Pirelli itself donated an additional £500 to bring the overall amount donated to The Brain Tumour Charity to £3,000. This follows a similar donation in 2017, when £2,500 was raised.

The support for The Brain Tumour Charity came about following the death of former Pirelli employee, Mark Brookes. Diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2017 and despite two brain surgeries to remove the tumour, Brookes passed away later in July 2018.

Rebecca Brookes, Mark’s wife, has campaigned tirelessly to fundraise for the charity and remains the driving force behind the appeal. She has raised more than £21,000 for the charity.

Rebecca Brookes said: “A huge thank you to Burton Albion and Pirelli for donating this very generous sum of money to the Brain Tumour Charity in memory of my beloved husband, Mark. Unfortunately, he lost his battle 18 months after being diagnosed. During his illness he was determined to raise awareness of brain tumours and hopefully one day a cure will be found to help others.”

Burton Albion chairman Ben Robinson said: “We have been delighted to work with our friends at Pirelli again, not only to provide extra parking on selected match days but to also to raise funds for a charity that does incredible work, fighting on behalf of brain tumour sufferers.”

Dominic Sandivasci, Pirelli UK, chairman & CEO, said: “A tremendous amount of money has again been raised for a very special cause. Our former employee, Mark Brookes, very sadly lost his battle with the condition last year. Finding a cure came too late for Mark and our thoughts remain with his family. We hope that this donation will help the charity in its quest to assist those who have their lives changed by this devastating disease.”

The continued support received from Burton Albion and Pirelli is vital in helping the charity to continue its pioneering work. The Brain Tumour Charity is the UK’s largest dedicated brain tumour charity, committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts. It funds research to increase survival rates and improve treatment options, as well as raising awareness of the symptoms and effects of brain tumours to bring about earlier diagnosis.

The charity also provides support for everyone affected, so that they can live as full a life as possible, with the very best quality of life. It also offers help and information to patients and families, like Rebecca Brookes.