Bradford brain tumour charity Andrea’s Gift is celebrating raising £1 million.

Seven years since the charity was set up in memory of Bradford mum-of-two Andrea Key, who died aged 42 of a brain tumour in May, 2002, supporters have pulled out the stops with a series of challenges and sponsored events which have swiftly surpassed the £100,000 target the charity initially set.

Raising £1 million is a significant achievement for the charity which is scheduled to open its new research unit at the Leeds Molecular Institute for Medicine, dedicated to brain tumour research, in September.

The unit is a joint project between Andrea’s Gift and the children’s charity Candlelighters.

Carol Robertson, of Bingley, the charity’s fundraising and development manager, said the research would not only support a knowledge base for how and why brain tumours occur, but also focus on clinical trials and novel treatments aimed at improving the quality of life for brain tumour patients.

However, maintaining the unit requires long-term funding which is why she and her supporters are constantly raising money and awareness about their cause. Their next goal is to raise a further £250,000.

“We have now got so many plans in place to expand on that,” said Mrs Robertson.

She praised the efforts of everyone who had supported and raised money for Andrea’s Gift. She said: “It comes down to the absolute solid determination of the supporters. It’s the people out there who are raising the funds. They are the real heroes.”

She also paid tribute to those diagnosed with brain tumours, who had instigated support for the campaign. She said: “We support and remember some truly amazing people that have made all of this possible and it is testament to their bravery and courage that we have achieved so much and will continue to strive to beat this hideous disease.”

In March this year a delegation from the charity lobbied MPs to press for more funding for research.

For more information about Andrea’s Gift, call (01943) 870770 or 07918 882816, e-mail andreasgift@btconnect.com, or visit andreasgift.org.uk.