Lee Masters approached every challenge with incredible determination. Even after being diagnosed with a low-grade astrocytoma in 2018, he continued to live life to the fullest.
He travelled the world, performed with his band and made memories with the people he loved – including taking part in Walk of Hope every year with his family.
Over the years, Lee’s sister Paula and their family have raised nearly £15,000 to help fund research into brain tumours. More than a fundraiser, Walk of Hope offered their family the chance to make memories and celebrate Lee’s resilience.
When he underwent an awake craniotomy in 2024, Lee kept everyone smiling by whistling ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ – a perfect reflection of his optimism.
Lee at our Plymouth Centre of Excellence
Just 10 days later, Lee joined his family and friends for their annual Walk of Hope. He said: “It’s not about me. It’s about finding a cure for everyone.”
Those words would stay with his family in the months that followed. As Lee’s condition worsened, his determination never faded. Even when doctors believed he had only days to live, he defied expectations, fighting to wake up, speak and even walk again.
He passed away three months ago, aged 38. Nearly 400 people attended his funeral, and almost 200 more watched online from around the world.
Reflecting on the loss of her brother, Paula said:
“If love could have saved him, he would have lived forever.”
Lee and Paula in pink Brain Tumour Research t-shirts
Now, as Saturday 26ᵗʰ September approaches, Paula and her family are preparing for their sixth Walk of Hope, but the first without Lee by their side.
Together, they’ll walk the familiar route, sharing stories and celebrating the remarkable man who inspired so many. Pinned to their Brain Tumour Research t-shirts will be a photo of Lee alongside a simple message:
“Lee Masters walks with us forever.”
Lee believed finding a cure was bigger than any one person, and his loved ones will carry on that belief this September.
Whether you decide to walk in memory of someone you love or in support of someone living with a brain tumour, every step helps fund the search for a cure
Posted with the kind permission of Brain Tumour Research.
Help us find that cure!