Brains Unite Fund

Jim, John and Pam's stories

We are Sarah McVey, Helen Norman and Tony Brown and we have set up The Brains Unite Fund as a result of losing our respective loved ones Jim, John and Pam in 2011.

Jim, John and Pam were each diagnosed with a GMB4 within weeks of each other in the early part of 2010, and all three were given almost identical timetables for their radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment. Our paths had never crossed before but, as a result of this horrible situation we found ourselves in, we all became friends very early on.

Jim, John and Pam were able to support each other whilst they were going through their treatments, they swapped notes about symptoms and how they were feeling and generally helped each other through the progression of their illnesses by talking and listening to each other. It wasn’t all doom and gloom - because each of them had a great sense of humour, more often than not we were all sat laughing in the waiting room at the hospital and it was rare to hear any of them moaning about their situation. They were extremely brave and courageous individuals.

Sadly, Jim, John and Pam lost their battle against this awful disease within six weeks of each other in April/May 2011 – just a year after their diagnosis. Since their passing, the three of us left behind have become firm friends and we continue to support each other in our struggle to come to terms with our loss. However, like Jim, John and Pam we also try to have a laugh when we meet up because they wouldn’t want us to be sad.

We are determined that our loved ones' deaths are not in vain and we will do whatever we can to help others in a similar situation. We therefore intend to raise as much money and awareness as we can for The Brain Tumour Charity through our Brains Unite Fund and will do whatever weird and wonderful things we can to achieve that.

A memorial football match organised by Jim’s family has already taken place at which over £1,000 was raised, and donations from family and friends made in respect of each of their funerals added up to almost £1,500.

To get in touch with Brains Unite, please email them or visit their website.

New Patron - July 2012

Strictly Come Dancing star, Ian Waite is the new patron of The Brains Unite Fund. Ian is probably best known for his role as one of the professional dancers on the BBC's hit show Strictly Come Dancing, as well as guest presenting with Zoe Ball on It Takes Two.

Having appeared in almost every series aired and competing in six of them, Ian has become a highly respected and recognisable figure and personality in the world of dance. Ian's dance career started at the age of ten when he accompanied his younger brother to Saturday dance lessons and was enticed onto the dance floor for the first time. It was clear to all that, despite being in his school rugby and football teams, Ian was a born performer and dancer. For further information visit Ian's website.

Ian's particular interest in the Brains Unite Fund comes about as a result of him being childhood friends with John Norman. As well as being best friends at school, John also attended dance classes with Ian and his brother all those years ago but John soon realised his two left feet didn't want to be changed!

Ian continues to be of great support to Helen and to the Brains Unite Fund in memory of his friend John, and Jim and Pam.