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Tragic Health Crisis and Community Response

A young boy named Luke Poga from southern Hertfordshire faced a devastating health crisis when an inoperable brain tumor was diagnosed during the COVID-19 lockdown. Initially thought to be due to overeating, his significant weight gain led his mother to seek medical help, ultimately resulting in a diagnosis of diffuse midline glioma, a highly aggressive stage 4 brain tumor. Despite treatment that provided some quality time with family, Luke tragically passed away at the age of nine, affecting his school community profoundly. In response to this heartbreak, over 300 staff and children from Somerswood Primary School participated in a challenge to raise awareness and funds for brain tumor research, highlighting the need for increased awareness of the symptoms and advocacy for more research funding.