BUSINESSWOMAN Ravinder Marwaha is facing her fear of heights by taking on a skydiving challenge to raise funds for The Brain Tumour charity – in honour of a brave and battling loved one.
She will be joined by nephew Gurveer Marva, 22 – the brother of Arun Marva, 19.
A grade-A student who was studying for his A-levels at Coventry’s Caludon Castle School, the previously healthy Arun collapsed suddenly in summer last year.
He had suffered a seizure while playing football with his team ‘Coventry Jag 2004’.
He was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour, and underwent surgery to remove the growth.
Complications during the procedure led to Arun suffering a major stroke on the operating table, and surgery was aborted.
A year later, the cancerous tumour remains as Arun continues his recovery from the effects of the stroke.
Arun still can’t communicate fully and is currently undergoing chemotherapy, but he’s trying his best to live a normal life.
His aunt and brother have set a target of raising £5,000 by Friday, September 27 — the day of the skydive — for a charity close to their hearts.
Ravinder, 43, who runs Hakimpur Cash & Carry in Brays Lane, Coventry, is on a mission to create awareness for The Brain Tumour Charity.
Arun and his dad, Rav, follow Coventry City Football Club, and both are loyal season ticket holders.
Despite Arun’s treatment, he has managed to watch Coventry play this season, travelling to the team’s temporary home at Birmingham’s St Andrew’s stadium.
Ravinder describes Arun as an “amazing, inspiring young man” who hoped to go onto university to study astrophysics, but is now determined to beat the cancer, finish his A-levels and pursue a successful career.
Arun has beaten the odds after the stroke.
Ravinder said: “Even when doctors had given up on movement of his right side, he never did.
“He is now more active than doctors ever expected.”
Although he suffers with mobility issues and his speech, Arun exercises at the Red Corner gym, where his mum, Rupi, was also a regular.
Ravinder says that The Brain Tumour Charity supported her family during the darkest times with guidance and support.
It also arranges events such as The Young Adults Meet, creating a social environment where youngsters — who often feel isolated with their illness — can meet, socialise and gain the confidence to integrate back into a normal life.
Follow their journey on Facebook: www.facebook.com/guviandraviraise4charity/
To donate to their cause: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ravinder-marwaha
