Brain Tumour Research

Fin joined Kombatkids in 2011, training with Sensei Jags at Barnt Green.
Grandad Jobby enjoyed bringing Fin to the classes and took a great interest in his Karate training. Fin started training for his Dan grade in 2015, working hard towards his dream of becoming a Black Belt. 

Finlay Church was an amazing young man who left a lasting legacy behind him of raising awareness for Brain Tumour Research, and children suffering with Cancer. Finlay passed away on 25th November 2015, he was
Funny, Intelligent, articulate and a real joy to be around, he had an amazing amount of courage, willpower and determination.

• This is his journey Finlay's Journey 

Finlay was diagnosed with a Brain tumour in June 2014, battling three operations, Chemotherapy, a clinical trial and 12 weeks of daily radiotherapy, he gained 20kg in weight from steroids had partial seizures and lost the use of his left hand side, ultimately being bed bound.

During this time Finlay became a:

• Guiness World record holder - A new World record for the most teddy bears in a row 15,5534. 
• All about the bears with bear chaos, 
• Pride of Birmingham Child of Courage award, Child of Courage Young Fundraiser award
• Chief Constables Commendation award
•  Raised the outstanding amount of £90,000 fundraising for BCH and Brain Tumour Research.

Parents Penny and Wayne organised many Fundraising events the Angels Without Wings ball and an online auction in conjunction with the ball raised an incredible £53000. Wayne, family and friends from Alvechurch got together to make a bare calendar raising more funds for BCH and Brain Tumour Research.

Honarary Black Belt Grading 
Fin was unable to continue his karate training it was agreed that Sensei Sakagami 8th Dan would award him an honorary 1st and 2nd Dan Black belt. Selina, Steve, Jags and Sensei Sakagami travelled to Finlays house and spent a few hours talking to Finlay about Karate and his fundraising achievements. Finlay was awarded his honorary grades infront of his family. The day was very emotional, but very rewarding, there is no one who deserved this award more than Finlay, he showed all the characteristics of a true Martial artist, strength, will power, compassion, and a real joy in the practice and learning of Karate he gave 100% all of the time.

Finlays dream was to become a Policeman when he grew up, West Midlands Police provided the opportunity for Fin to shoot a Taser gun and saw the Armageddon scenario riot training. Fin and family absolutely loved the day. 

Kombatkids organised several events the first being Finlays big bandage campaign in 2014. As many children as possible were encouraged to wear a bandage in the classes and raised a fantastic £1041 for Birmingham Childrens Hospital.
Instructors had their hair shaved off in an event Going Bald For Finlay, with Finlay showing off his hairdressing skills to cut off the final piece of hair off each instructor raising £1612. In 2015 Kombatkids male instructors grew moustaches for the month of Movember raising £1082.60

Fins funeral was held at Alvechurch Cemetery, Fin was given a guard of honour by West Midlands Police, and Sensei Steve, Lyle, Jamie and Jags (Fins club sensei) and Sakagami Sensei 8th Dan were given the honour of carrying Fins coffin into the church Saying Goodbye and honouring Fins memory and legacy.

Finlay Church definitely made a difference to many peoples lives, his bravery and his good humour made him a very likeable young man. Finlay was an inspirational character and certainly lived his short life to the full, he had the most caring wonderful parents and family you could ever wish for, he will live in our hearts for ever.

Finlay Church Memorial Award
Penny and Wayne have donated a trophy the Finlay Church Memorial Award that is to be awarded yearly by themselves to the most suitable Black Black belt candidate who fulfils the criteria of most deserving student. The chosen student will have to demonstrate that they have gone beyond the pail or coped wth adversity whilst training, and demonstrate Finlays spirit and enthusiasm, this is a very special award.

Proud Recipients have been 
2016 Chloe Benger 
2017 Joseph Bradshaw
2018 Calum Feenan
2019 Jack Nangreave
2022 Imogen Slattery 

Wear a Hat Week A Yearly event that raises money for Brain Tumour Research is Wear a hat week, where the karate students can wear their own clothes in the classes and a hat of their choice, a popular way to raise awareness and funds. 

Wear a Hat Week Fundraising 

• 2014 £1041 Raised
• 2016 £2284 Raised
• 2017 £3270 Raised 
• 2018 £3510 Raised
• 2019 £3973 Raised
• 2020 (COVID LOCKDOWN YEAR) 
• 2021 £1051 Raised
• 2022 £3340 Raised

Donate money for Brain Tumour Research go to Finlays Just giving page: Finlays Journey Just Giving page  Read Finlays inspirational journey in greater detail see his Facebook page:  Finlays Journey Facebook Page 
To visit finlay's web site follow the link

The fight still goes on Brain Tumour Cancers are the biggest killers of UK children, look at the Brain Tumour Research web site for more information and fundraising ideas.