The Brain Charity

Fundraising challenges are never just about the adrenaline; they’re about the people and the stories behind them. For Lili, abseiling down Liverpool Cathedral was a deeply personal way to honour the memory of her beloved Nan, Sue who died following a stroke in 2025, following a dementia diagnosis.. 

Surrounded by family and supported by the team at The Brain Charity, 

Lili turned nerves into pride and purpose as she descended the cathedral walls, all in memory of someone who meant the world to her. 

A challenge inspired by love 

Lili, who studied psychology at university and now works for Autism Initiatives, has always been interested in neurological conditions and supporting others. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with family, going to the gym and attending weekly Zumba classes. 

Family has always been at the centre of Lili’s life, which is why losing her Nan was so difficult. 

Lili explained: 

“My Nan was the heart of our family. She couldn’t do enough for anyone. If you needed anything, no matter how small, she would make it happen.”

Sue was known for her warmth, generosity and vibrant personality. She loved looking after the people around her, whether that meant keeping an eye on neighbours’ children on her street or spoiling her grandchildren after school. 

Lili remembered: 

“My twin brother Alfie and I used to go to her house all the time after school. She would always overfeed us, we’d roll out of the house after eating far too much!” 

Dementia diagnosis: When things began to change 

In her late seventies, Sue began showing early signs of dementia. 

“It feels like you lose them twice over. You lose them gradually as the dementia progresses, and then you lose them again when they pass away.” 

Sue had faced health challenges before, including cancer and a minor stroke years earlier, but she had always shown incredible resilience. 

“She never felt sorry for herself. No matter what she was going through, she always had a smile on her face and was there for everyone.” 

A sudden loss 

In May 2025, Sue became unwell. The following day, the family received devastating news: she had suffered a severe Stroke and had been rushed to the hospital. 

Lili and her family rushed to Aintree University Hospital to be with her. 

Lili recalled:  

“It all happened so quickly. One day, we were chatting to her like normal, and the next day, everything had changed.” 

Sue passed away on 25 May 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. 

A kitchen full of memories

Sue was an avid baker, the family’s very own Mary Berry. Each of her grandchildren had their turn in the kitchen with her, where she patiently showed them how to bake.

One of the things they used to make together were what the family called “Nanny’s cakes,” shortcrust pastry on the bottom, jam in the middle, topped with sponge and icing, because the grandchildren didn’t like mince pies.

Those baking days became some of the family’s most treasured memories. When Sue died, it wasn’t her jewellery that the family argued over, it was who would get her cookbook.

Even in the final years of her life, baking remained close to Sue’s heart. The year before she passed away, while living with dementia, she tried to make Nanny’s cakes again with Lili’s twin brother, Alfie. Because of her memory loss, she forgot to add the sugar. When she realised, she joked that she’d never make them again, and, as it turned out, she never did.

Sue was also someone who truly listened. She noticed everything going on around her and always had a witty comment ready. Even as her health declined, that sense of humour never left her. She would still tease her husband Eddie, known affectionately in the family as “Gaga,” saying, “Eddie, if you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen.”

For Lili and her family, Sue’s warmth, humour and generosity are impossible to forget. She filled their lives with laughter, kindness and the comforting smell of something always baking in the kitchen, memories that will stay with them forever.

Continuing her kindness 

Taking on the cathedral abseil 

Looking for a fundraising challenge, Lili discovered the cathedral abseil organised by The Brain Charity. 

Although she admits she has a slight fear of heights, stepping outside her comfort zone felt fitting. 

“I thought, why not throw myself off a building for a good cause?” 

What made the day even more special was that her twin brother Alfie decided to take part too. 

“With my family there and the Brain Charity team cheering us on, the nerves quickly disappeared. Alfie and I ended up racing each other down the cathedral. I still claim the win!” 

The day was filled with laughter, emotion and support from family and friends, including a surprise visit from relatives who had travelled to be there. 

A lasting legacy 

Through the generosity of supporters, Lili raised an incredible £2,225 for The Brain Charity. 

“Abseiling the cathedral felt like a powerful way to honour my Nan. It was a day filled with meaning, connection, and support that I’ll never forget.” 

For Lili and her family, the fundraiser was about more than just the challenge; it was about carrying forward Sue’s legacy of kindness and compassion. 

“Our aim was to continue the brightness she shared and help others find their light even in the darkest moments.” 

And Lili may not be done yet. 

“Here’s to continuing Nan’s legacy. And maybe this year… skydiving?”