Mother backs Epsom Derby auction to honour daughter

Emily Oliver experienced dizzy spells and eyesight issues before being diagnosed

A mother from Surrey is marking the fifth anniversary of her daughter’s death by supporting a charity hat auction at the Epsom Derby.

Debi Oliver, a former GP from Esher, will attend Brain Tumour Research’s fundraising event on 1 June in memory of her daughter, Emily, who died aged 21.

She said: “Emily absolutely loved the races and she’d have loved to go to this event with me and try on all the stunning hats.”

Funds raised by the event will be used by the charity for research at its centres across the UK, with the aim of finding a cure for brain cancer.

Emily, a student nurse, was diagnosed with a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) in January 2018 and told she had three months to live without treatment.

She died 18 months later after privately-funded chemotherapy and radiotherapy in Germany.

Emily was a student nurse at the University of Nottingham

Before she died, Emily set up the Emily Oliver’s Fighting Fund for research into DIPG tumours.

Her parents continue to raise money for the charity, which donated £200,000 to Brain Tumour Research in March.

“It’s hard to believe that five years have passed since Emily died," said Mrs Oliver.

"Sometimes I still expect her to be here.

“Even when she was desperately ill, making people better was what Emily wanted to do and now it’s up to us to continue her legacy.”

Debi Oliver (L) with husband, Tim, Emily (centre), Charlotte and James

Brain Tumour Research has partnered with The British Hat Guild and The Jockey Club to exhibit a collection of 15 high-end hats.

The Carnival of Colour headpieces will be showcased at Epsom Downs Racecourse from 31 May to 1 June.

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