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Ravi Adelekan was just six years old when his world turned upside down. After being diagnosed with a benign tumour on his brain stem, Ravi underwent a 10-hour surgery to remove it. Though the operation saved his life, it left him with lasting challenges—balance issues, tremors, and problems with his sight and hearing. He had to learn to walk and feed himself again, but despite all this, Ravi’s spirit remained unshaken.
Ravi’s change-making journey started one evening, after discussing silver linings of his beloved football team (Newcastle United) losing a match with his mum. Ravi asked, “What’s the silver lining for someone with a brain tumour?”. It is then that he realised there were silver linings with his own situation and he could use his own experience and voice to help others.
With encouragement from his family and friends, Ravi launched Ravi’s Dream, a campaign to raise £250,000 for brain tumour charities. The idea grew quickly, and soon Ravi was reaching out to some of the biggest names in music. His dream turned into a star-studded charity music video of A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman, featuring Coldplay, Paloma Faith, Damon Albarn, and many more.
But Ravi’s campaign didn’t stop there. He has hosted events at the Houses of Parliament, a fashion show featuring 20 children from the brain tumour community, and a charity football match, all in support of The Brain Tumour Charity and brainstrust. He also brought together 50 amazing supporters including friends, family, teachers, doctors, members of the brain tumour community, and more to put together a show-stopping, golden-buzzer-winning performance on Britain’s Got Talent in May 2024. The choir now travels up and down the country performing together at special events to raise awareness of brain tumours.
So far, Ravi’s campaign has raised nearly £140,000 and brought together an incredible group of people united by a common cause. His efforts earned him the Pride of Britain Child of Courage award in 2023. Ravi remains focused on helping others and spreading his message: no matter what challenges life throws your way, you can still follow your dreams.
Ravi’s story is a powerful reminder that no dream is too big, no obstacle too great. He’s shown that with bravery, determination, and a heart full of hope, even the toughest struggles can lead to something beautiful.
