Wolverhampton man Nick abseils 100m for 'love of his life' Andrea
A Wolverhampton man, who lost 'the love of his life' to a brain tumour, abseiled down a landmark building to raise money in her memory for charity.
Nick Butler, aged 49, of Hoylake Road, Perton, lowered himself a terrifying 100m from the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth's tallest building, to raise money for the Brain Tumour Research charity.
Nick was commemorating the life of his partner Andrea Thursfield who passed away aged 46 in 2011, just nine months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
He said: "Andrea and I went out together as teenagers.
"We lost touch but then, out of the blue, we bumped into each other again 21 years later.
"We got together and made a home for ourselves and her son Ryan, who is now 19.
"Andrea's tumour was diagnosed originally misdiagnosed as sinusitis but she had a scan after having problems with her eyes.
"Her brain tumour was extremely aggressive and, despite surgery and chemotherapy, it grew back.
"I carried out my promise of looking after her myself and she passed away at home on 18th September 2011.
"I have lost the love of my life and it is dreadful to think that brain tumours can affect anyone.
"This is why I am supporting Brain Tumour Research which really stands out with its commitment to fund vital research.
"I hope Andrea's story will raise awareness and ultimately stop others from having to go through this.
The iconic Spinnaker Tower is visible for more than 23 miles and the abseil experience was described by Nick as an "exhilarating feat." He was also accompanied by friends Lee Dunning, of The Croft, Wombourne, Wolverhampton, and Alex Frost and Ruth Johnson who, along with Nick, are members of South Staffordshire sailing club.
Sue Farrington Smith, Chief Executive of Brain Tumour Research, said: "Andrea's story is very moving but, sadly, not uncommon.
"We are very grateful to Nick for his support in raising vital funds and awareness of brain tumours."
Brain Tumour Research helps fund an annual £1 million programme of research at its Centre of Excellence at the University of Portsmouth.
Further partnerships announced last year with Queen Mary University of London and Imperial College, plus Plymouth University will pave the way for a £20 million investment in brain tumour research over the next five years.
There is still time to sponsor Nick on JustGiving at www.justgiving.com/NicholasButler2
