Figen Rawlinson

In August 2009, we sadly lost our 7 year old son to an inoperable and incurable brain tumour. He was a wonderful and caring boy who touched so many lives and we miss him so much. He was diagnosed just 10 months before. Not knowing of his illness, except that he had a lump in his head that the doctors were trying to get rid of, he continued to excel at school, whilst continuing with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This was all that was on offer but no hope of a cure. We never gave up hope and left no stone unturned but he was taken away from us. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of UK children and those under 40, yet brain cancer research receives less than 1% of national spend on cancer research in this country. After Taylan's passing, we set up an Umbrella Group of Brain Tumour Research (www.taylansproject.com). We work tirelessly to help raise awareness and funds and have raised £75,000 to date. We have been invited to Parliament and give talks to schools and local groups. We also send terminally ill children and families away on UK holidays so they can spend precious time together. Losing a child is the most devastating loss anyone can be faced with. Life will never be the same again for us and we do not want other families to go through what we go through. Carrying the Olympic Flame would mean so much. Taylan wanted to be at the Games but never had the chance. We feel he will be with us and give us strength, to represent others who are affected by brain tumours.