Eaglesham dad to take part in Sir Chris Hoy event for late daughter

Described as a delightful daughter by her dotting dad, Graham Hood, Cara was diagnosed with the cancerous brain tumour on August 21, 2025, after becoming unwell during her Highers in May 2024, when she was just 17.

Image of Cara Hood (Image: Supplied by Cara's family)

"Cara was the picture of contentment as a youngster and so willing to be generous to those around her as she grew to be a young woman," Graham said.

The Eaglesham man continued: "She had the very best group of friends, and we have been left with their deeply personal gifts to her, which provide solace to her mum, brother and me, and which tell a story of what Cara meant to those friends."

Before being diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, doctors originally thought Cara was suffering from migraines, however, a CT scan later revealed that it was, in fact, a tumour. She was operated on the very next day and the tumour was successfully removed.

However, it was later revealed that the tumour was cancerous.

Image of Cara Hood (Image: Supplied by Cara's family)

Cara underwent a six-week course of proton beam therapy at The Christie in Manchester before undergoing a course of chemotherapy at the Beatson in Glasgow. She was given the all clear in June 2025.

However, the cancer returned with extreme aggression in September. Cara then became acutely unwell overnight, and was rushed to hospital. She was then transferred to the Beatson on October 1, 2025, for end-of-life care.

She died with her mum and dad by her side.

Graham said: "Despite her illness, Cara got to do some lovely things in the months before her death, including her sixth year prom, taking part in a recording of The Weakest Link (organized through the Teenage Cancer Trust), receiving the Girl Guiding Gold Award, and attending Holyrood Palace for her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Ceremony. These are among the happy memories she squeezed in during 2025."

Graham Hood from East Renfrewshire pictured with his bike. (Image: Colin Mearns)

Graham Hood from East Renfrewshire pictured with his bike. (Image: Colin Mearns)

Following Cara's passing, Graham and his son Rory, have decided to raise as much money as possible for Brain Tumour Research (BTR).

Graham said: "We want to raise as much as possible because of the low level of research funding into brain tumours and the burning desire to do this in memory of my daughter."

Graham and Rory will be raising the money by taking part in Tour de 4 2026 - a charity cycling event launched by Sir Chris Hoy aimed at raising awareness for Stage 4 cancer.

The fundraiser will see the pair cycle for miles, starting and ending at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in the East End of Glasgow.

Image of Rory and Graham on their bikes. (Image: Supplied by Graham Hood)

Speaking about his emotions on the lead up to the challenge, Graham said: "I am feeling the pressure a bit, plus I’m not used to cycling in crowds, so that might be a bit daunting."

He continued: "It just seemed right to do Tour de 4 - and my 21-year-old son was up for it, even though his longest cycle is probably only a third of the distance of the Tour de 4!

"It was particularly relevant, since I consider my daughter to have been incredibly brave dealing with her illness, something that strikes a chord with Sir Chris Hoy’s courage and willingness to tackle his illness head on."

Graham Hood from East Renfrewshire pictured with his bike. (Image: Colin Mearns)

The event will take place on September 6.

The pair have already raised over £3k for BTR via their fundraiser on GoFundMe.

Graham Hood from East Renfrewshire pictured with his bike. (Image: Colin Mearns)

Graham Hood from East Renfrewshire pictured with his bike. (Image: Colin Mearns)

You can donate to the fundraiser HERE

To find out more about Medulloblastoma, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/childrens-cancer/brain-tumours/types/medulloblastoma