The Brain Charity

For the Blythe family, fundraising has become a way to honour the life of a much-loved husband, dad, son, brother and friend while helping other families affected by neurological conditions. 

After Peter Blythe died suddenly following a brain haemorrhage, donations made in his memory at his funeral raised more than £4,000 for The Brain Charity. Wanting to continue his legacy, Peter’s children, alongside family and friends, later took on Tough Mudder, raising a further £1,809 to support people living with neurological conditions across the UK. 

Speaking on behalf of her family, Peter’s wife, Lisa, shared the story behind their fundraising and the man they miss every day. 

A family touched by neurological conditions 

Lisa said: 

“They affect so many people, but you don’t always realise just how much they affect the whole family until it happens to you.” 

When the family decided to fundraise in Peter’s memory, supporting The Brain Charity felt like the natural choice. 

“We wanted to help other people who are going through similar things.” 

Meeting Peter 

Peter was born in 1971 and was the youngest of four children. 

Lisa first met him in a nightclub in 1996. 

Laughing, she recalled: 

“It was his green eyes that caught my attention.” 

That chance meeting was the beginning of a relationship that would last 30 years. Married for 24 of those years, they built a life together centered around their three children: Mitchell, Lewis, and Ella. 

Lisa also fondly recalled that Peter was legendary for his BBQs, and anyone who knew him would remember just how seriously he took them. He was famous for having two BBQs going at once, carefully managing each one to make sure everything was cooked to perfection. His BBQs weren’t just meals; they were events that brought everyone together, and they were truly unforgettable. 

Peter worked as a plumber before becoming a supervisor on major construction projects in London, but to his family, it was never his job that defined him. 

Lisa said: 

“He was loving, loyal and caring. And he was so funny. He always had everyone laughing.” 

Above everything else, Peter loved being a dad. 

“The children were his life. He had such a close relationship with all three of them.” 

Whether he was listening to music, spending time in the garden or enjoying family life at their home in Lanzarote, Peter was happiest when everyone was together. 

“He was just a proper family man. He was a wonderful husband, an amazing father and a brilliant son, brother and uncle.” 

A loss that changed everything 

“We miss him every day.” 

Even after his death, Peter continued helping others. 

As an organ donor, his donations saved the lives of three men. 

For Lisa and her family, knowing that Peter’s organ donation saved lives has brought some comfort during an incredibly difficult time. 

“It’s amazing to think that because of Peter, three people are still here living their lives. That’s something really special.” 

Turning grief into action 

Following Peter’s funeral, the family wanted to do something positive in his memory. 

Instead of flowers, they asked for donations to The Brain Charity. 

The response was overwhelming. 

Together, family and friends raised more than £4,000, helping to support people living with neurological conditions. 

But the fundraising didn’t stop there. 

Peter’s eldest son, Mitchell, decided he wanted to continue raising money in his dad’s memory. 

Alongside Ella’s partner, Ollie, he signed up to take on Tough Mudder. 

“It meant so much to see them doing something like that for Peter.” 

Supported by family and friends, they completed the challenge and raised a further £1,809. 

“It was lovely seeing everybody come together. Peter would have been so proud.” 

A father’s legacy 

“There was always a bit of football banter between them.” 

Lewis, 22, now works in project managment and remembers his dad as someone who was always there whenever his family needed him. 

The youngest of the family, Ella, works in London as a hairdresser. 

Lisa spoke warmly about the bond between father and daughter. 

“Ella was definitely Daddy’s girl.” 

While Peter was still alive, Ella chose her dad as the subject of her A-Level art project, creating a portrait of someone she had always been incredibly close to. 

Looking back, the piece has become an even more meaningful reminder of their relationship. 

Continuing Peter’s kindness 

For the Blythe family, fundraising has become about far more than reaching a total. 

It’s about ensuring Peter’s kindness lives on by helping others facing neurological conditions. 

Every pound raised helps The Brain Charity continue providing practical support, information and hope to people and families across the UK. 

The family hope this is only the beginning of their fundraising journey.  

Having already raised thousands of pounds in Peter’s memory, they’ve now applied for places in the London Marathon and hope to continue supporting The Brain Charity for years to come. 

“We want to keep fundraising and helping other families however we can.” 

Support the Blythe family 

Through their fundraising, they are ensuring Peter’s legacy continues to make a difference, helping people affected by neurological conditions receive the support they need when they need it most. 

Every donation helps The Brain Charity support people to live longer, healthier and happier lives after a neurological diagnosis. 

Donate to the Blythe family’s fundraiser today.