A Richmond grandmother died less than 12 months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Gill Hoare, 71, was rushed to Kingston Hospital after days of vomiting and a collapse at home, where a CT scan revealed a mass on her brain.

Gill’s daughter, Beth Phillips, is taking on a 2.5k swim in memory of her mum and to raise money for Brain Tumour Research – a charity which funds research into finding a cure for brain tumours.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: Beth is swimming with help from her two childrenBeth is swimming with help from her two children

Beth, a primary school teacher in Cardiff, said: “Mum was never one for getting ill or making a fuss and around six months before she was diagnosed, she had bouts of vomiting.

“This was unusual for Mum, and we were really concerned.

“We convinced her to go to the doctors and she was given medication for an ear problem which seemed to work.”

In March 2021, Gill received the shocking news of a mass on her brain and then faced five months of gruelling radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

She passed away on March 1, 2022 in Galsworthy House nursing home in Kingston-upon-Thames.

Beth, 40, added: “Dad only ever got to see her through a window and for the last few months of her life we couldn't see or hug her.

“You always think of the ‘what-ifs’ especially as a family, wondering if we should have pushed for a second opinion.

“Even treatment options are limited which is crazy to think how a disease such as brain tumours is so underfunded.”

Beth will swim 2.5k throughout August at David Lloyd Cardiff, with help from her two children – Teddy, 6, and Griff, 4.

She will be raising money for Brain Tumour Research and, specifically, hoping to raise awareness for the incurable glioblastoma (GBM) which took her mother’s life.

Beth said: “I was keen to do something to help the cause and when I saw this challenge I thought it would be a great challenge that could include the children who were so fond of their Grandma who they now refer to as a star in the sky.”

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Mel Tiley, the community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re sorry to hear about Gill and are grateful to Beth and the family for sharing her story.

“It’s lovely to read that Beth and her children will take part in the challenge together.

“We wish Beth the best of luck in her swimming challenge and are thankful to have her alongside us as a campaigner to fund the fight against brain tumours.”