Inspired by his sister’s courage when told she had an inoperable brain tumour and only had months to live, a man is calling on readers to support a series of fundraising events to help the fight against the killer disease.

Chris Casey, who lives in Stevenage, says his family’s world was turned upside down when his younger sister, Kelly-Marie Bayram, was given the shock diagnosis two years ago.

He said: “She is the mother of two young boys and the whole family did not know what had hit them when this came totally out of the blue.

“She underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy in an attempt to slow the growth of the tumour and give her a few more months with her boys.

“Beyond all belief, the tumour not only stopped growing, but shrank away to nothing. The doctors could not explain it, but we gave thanks for this miracle.

“She was very lucky, because most people do not survive this level of tumour.

“Last year I was proud to see my sister married and start to pick up the pieces of her life again.

“I want to stop other families going through this hell and I am spending a year raising money for research into this horrible disease that robs young families without warning.

“Events I am holding include a gala dinner in May and a table tennis competition in the summer.”

The first fundraising event will be a race night at Hotel Cromwell in Stevenage High Street next Thursday, February 22.

The event starts at 7pm, entrance is free and everyone is welcome.

Each race ticket will cost £1 and there will be eight races, with all profits going to The Brain Tumour Charity.

You can register your interest in attending this fundraising event by visiting the Facebook page ‘Charity race night for brain tumour research’.

Chris is hoping to raise £5,000 over the course of the year. To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-casey5

Symptoms of a brain tumour can include severe and persistent headaches, seizures, vison or speech problems, and persistent nausea, vomiting and drowsiness.

For more information about The Brain Tumour Charity, you can visit www.thebraintumourcharity.org.