A WIDOW'S £1million pound donation has led to the opening of a new research centre after a brain tumour killed her husband.

Mary Scott, from Moreton-in-Marsh, gave Brain Tumour Research its largest-ever donation in memory of her husband Mike.

The new Brain Tumour Research Centre on the Sutton campus of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, officially opened this month.

The retired college lecturer said: “Mike and I had been together since we were youngsters.

"I miss him terribly, and since his death, I have periods of being very low and wondering how I can keep going, but I know I have to somehow find a way to find peace.

"I have to walk my own path and do so in my own time.

Evesham Journal: Mike Scott enjoying a cream tea.Mike Scott enjoying a cream tea. (Image: SWNS)

"It can’t be right in these days that it’s a death knell to be told you have this brain tumour.

“I count myself very fortunate to be able to make this substantial donation."

At 69, Mr Scott was diagnosed with a fast-growing grade 4 glioblastoma that had returned after surgery and treatment.

He collapsed at home during a family BBQ in June 2020 and died with Mary at his bedside a few days later.

Mrs Scott added: ''Mike adored children, so it’s especially fitting that this new centre will focus on finding a cure for high-grade tumours in children.

Evesham Journal: The new Brain Tumour Research Centre on the Sutton campus of The Institute of Cancer Research in London.The new Brain Tumour Research Centre on the Sutton campus of The Institute of Cancer Research in London. (Image: SWNS)

"To think of those poor parents whose children are affected by brain tumours is absolutely dreadful.

“My hope is that, with this legacy, Mike’s death won’t have been in vain, that his name will live on and that the money will go some way towards finding a cure.”

Brain Tumour Research aims to raise awareness and funding for research into brain tumours.

Mary and their son Ben, 47, attended the opening of the new facility alongside the leader of Surrey County Council, Tim Oliver and his wife, Debi, who lost their daughter Emily to a brain tumour at 21.

Dr Karen Noble, Director of Research, Policy and Innovation at Brain Tumour Research, said: "The situation faced by families today is appalling, with many feeling they have no option but to seek unproven and costly treatment abroad.

"It is vital that attention is focused on this most deadly of childhood cancers.

''We are extremely grateful to Mary and to all of our supporters whose commitment and hard work have made this new centre possible."