A GRANDFATHER who died just months after his brain tumour diagnosis has been remembered at a fundraising walk.

Young Ellis Woodward, from Alton, stepped up to the mark to remember his grandad at a ‘Walk of Hope’ along Portsmouth seafront.

The five-year-old was joined by his parents Sharon Woodward, 38, and Dan Woodward, 37, as they completed one of several nationwide walks organised by the Brain Tumour Research charity.

The family-of-three took part in the event in memory of John Hatt, who lived in Leighton Buzzard, and who died aged 71 in July 2016 just nine months after his diagnosis with an aggressive brain tumour.

On September 29, they joined more than 100 other walkers as they set off from the cobbled streets of Old Portsmouth before heading toward Southsea Common and South Parade Pier.

Sharon has taken on a number of other fundraising events to raise money for Brain Tumour Research, including cake sales and fire walking.

She is aiming to raise £2,740, enough to place a tile on the charity’s Wall of Hope, which represents the amount it costs to fund a day’s research.

Sharon said: “Since dad died, we’ve found a great support in fundraising for Brain Tumour Research and we were so proud to take part on the Walk of Hope.

“We’re hopeful that one day there will be a breakthrough in the research into brain tumours and we want to help raise funds for this vital cause.”

Brain tumours are indiscriminate and can affect anyone at any age. They kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

Tim Green, senior community fundraising manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “For too long, brain tumours have been a neglected cancer and stories like John’s remind us all that we cannot allow this desperate situation to continue.

“Sadly, less than 20 per cent of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years compared with an average of 50 per cent across all cancers.

“We are very grateful to Ellis, Sharon and Dan for taking part in the Portsmouth Walk of Hope. The money raised on the day will go toward research into the causes of brain tumours, improving outcomes for patients and, ultimately, finding a cure.”

To donate to Sharon’s cause, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/woodwardwalk.