Our High Profile Supporters
Our High Profile Supporters are entertainers, influencers, athletes and celebrities who support The Brain Tumour Charity and help us drive change for everyone affected.
We’re constantly working to raise awareness of brain tumours in research, healthcare, policy, and the general public. We need to do this to push forward our strategy and accelerate towards cures. We could not do this without the help of our wonderful High Profile Supporters.
Their extensive media presence and personal connection to our cause constantly boosts our campaigns, initiatives, reports, and research, helping us move towards a world where brain tumours are defeated.
High Profile Supporters
These entertainers, athletes, and celebrities are incredibly supportive of The Brain Tumour Charity. They are highly engaged with the work we do, campaigning and fundraising with us. Their tireless support and generosity is invaluable to our mission.
Bicep
BICEP
Electronic music artists
The famed electronic duo Bicep will join forces with six of UK’s most in-demand chefs to host a multi-sensory fundraising event in support of The Brain Tumour Charity in May 2026.
Belfast-born DJs Andrew Ferguson and Matthew McBriar are to perform an intimate, specially curated set to accompany six courses, with each one representing a human sense, from smell to sight.
Called Sensora, the concept is the work of Mark Tuttiett, head chef at the two Michelin-starred Da Terra in Bethnal Green, and his brother James, who works in IT.
Matt McBriar: “In 2024, I was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma — a rare brain tumour on my pituitary gland — and the Brain Tumour Charity were incredibly supportive during my time in hospital and in recovery.”
“I know first-hand how quickly everything can change. Being part of SENSORA feels like a meaningful way to give something back to the charity, and to a cause that is very close to my heart. Mark and James have built something truly special and we’re honoured to be part of it.”
Nicki Chapman
Nicki Chapman
Broadcaster and presenter
Nicki’s career has spanned the music entertainment industry for years, including her roles as a judge on Pop Idol and Popstars (with the like of Simon Cowell) and as a music PR and agent. She is now TV presenter and a Radio 2 host. Nicki had a meningioma brain tumour diagnosis in 2019 and had subsequent surgery to remove it. She continues to support the work we do, raising awareness and campaigning for change for everyone affected. She presented our BBC Lifeline Appeal in 2023 and was also shortlisted for a Third Sector Award for her celebrity work with us. Alongside other High Profile Supporters, Nicki championed our call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy during Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) in March 2024. “It’s the initial shock of diagnosis and then the shock when you tell people that can be more distressing. It’s like a slap. When you have to ring people up and tell them, your family, it’s just hideous. “If you’re having bad days let yourself have bad days. It’s like giving yourself permission, don’t fight against yourself. You say to yourself: ‘tomorrow, it’s still going to be a bad day and I’ve still got this condition but I’m going to find one thing in that day that is good.'” “I want to do whatever I can do to help raise awareness and help others understand that they’re not alone in this.” Nicki’s book about her music and pop culture career, So Tell Me What You Want, was published in August 2024, where she also talks about her diagnosis and support for The Charity.
Tom Daley
Tom Daley
Diver and Olympic medallist
Tom has passionately supported us over many years in our drive to raise awareness and much-needed funds for vital research. Following his incredible Tokyo Olympic wins, Tom dedicated his Olympic jumper to raising funds for us in memory of his Dad and then took to social media channels including Tik Tok to raise further funds and awareness on the back of his burgeoning knitting brand. In late 2021 he also fronted our campaign to crowdfund for our Savitex GBM trial, due to start in March 2022. Tom was also instrumental in supporting our 2.6 Challenge during the COVID-19 crisis. He was part of Team GB’s efforts to help raise vital funds for charities during this difficult time, as one of the 26 Olympians Challenge. Tom’s dedication to his support for us saw him host a meet ‘n’ greet event in February 2019 with our Young Ambassadors at London’s Olympic Pool and took time to chat and show everyone around his training facilities. The subsequent video of the day was used extensively across our social channels and shared with the national media. Tom said: “In just one month alone around 800 people will be diagnosed with a brain tumour. I’m honoured to be part of this charity that’s really close to my heart. Together, we can save lives.” Tom also was instrumental in our hugely successful 2017 BBC Lifeline appeal, raising vital funds for research and greatly spreading awareness of the work we do. He remains a committed supporter and continues to help us raise our profile via his social media channels and multimedia endorsements. Read more about Tom’s support, losing his dad to a brain tumour and the importance of continued funds for research here.
Hal Cruttenden
Hal Cruttenden
Comedian, writer and actor
A long-standing supporter of The Charity, Hal signed up to take part in our Sahara Trek in late 2022 and continues to support all our campaigns. Hal was also instrumental in organising The Charity’s comedy night in 2017, selling out The Backyard Club in London and drafting in comedy legend friends including Dara O Briain. He then hosted a second comedy night in 2018, at the Underbelly on the Southbank and was the face of our 2019 Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) campaign, filming two appeal videos. Hal speaks from the heart about losing his mum to a brain tumour and continues to support us. “Watching my Mum decline and battle so bravely through two operations, the radiation and chemotherapy treatments was obviously tough. On receiving the diagnosis she said, ‘Well, I’ve had a wonderful life’. “It is unimaginable to me how people cope with such news when it’s delivered to them when they’re a young adult or when it’s about their little child. That’s why the work that The Brain Tumour Charity do is so important and so inspiring.” Read the full interview
Peter Kay
Peter Kay
Comedian
Peter is one of the UK’s most beloved and successful comedians appearing as national treasure status on stage and screen. He remains a close family friend of the Nuttall family and he supported Laura Nuttall (who was one of our Young Ambassadors and a phenomenal supporter of The Charity), when she was going through treatment over the years before she sadly died. Laura and her family even managed to coax Peter Kay out of retirement to perform sell-out ‘Doing it For Laura’ gigs at Manchester’s O2 Apollo in 2021.In November, Peter announced all of the profits from his 2026 stand-up tour will be donated to 12 cancer charities.
He is launching his Better Late Than Never tour that begins in December and ends at the AO Arena in Manchester in August 2026.
“Unfortunately, everybody knows someone who’s been affected on that list [of 12 charities], and I just hope people support it,” Kay told The One Show.
“You don’t even have to like me to come, it goes beyond that, this is about supporting these charities,” he said and joked “if it’s not funny, you’ll get your money back.”
The Wanted 2.0
The Wanted 2.0
Musicians
Max George & Siva Kaneswaran will play a one-off exclusive gig in association with The Brain Tumour Charity in February 2025. Founding members of The Wanted, Max and Siva, have been touring and performing as The Wanted 2.0, taking the legacy of the original band, and the memory of their singer Tom Parker, into the next chapter in the history of one of Britain’s biggest ever pop bands. With over 20 million record sales worldwide, The Wanted notched up 10 UK Top Ten singles and two UK Number 1 singles. The band still boast almost seven million monthly listeners on Spotify and have a huge worldwide following. The band’s catalogue contains pop masterpieces that defined an era, including the Number 1 singles All Time Low and Glad You Came, alongside fan-favourites like Chasing The Sun, Walks Like Rihanna, and the electrifying Warzone. The Brain Tumour Charity supported Tom during his diagnosis and the band championed the work we do. Back in 2022, The Wanted released a song to help us raise vital funds for research. This originally was borne from a request of Tom’s family to play Gold Forever at his memorial. The band decided to create a more fitting version and Gold Forever (For Tom) was produced. “We are buzzing to officially announce that we are now The Wanted 2.0! We can’t wait to hit stages around the world playing all your favourite songs. “To officially kick things off, we are announcing our first UK headline show, which will be a very special one. On February 27th, we will play at the beautiful Manchester Cathedral. “The concert will be in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity, a cause extremely close to our hearts.”
Our Patron, Lord Charles Spencer
Lord Charles Spencer
Younger brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, author, journalist, and broadcaster.
“I became involved with The Brain Tumour Charity a long time ago, when it was known as the Samantha Dickson Research Trust. My association with the latter arose from an invitation from Samantha’s parents, Neil and Angela, to be part of the charity established in their late daughter’s name: Samantha had died from a brain tumour, aged just 16. “As the father of several children, I did not hesitate for a second from joining up as one of the charity’s patrons: it was the very least I could do, to show solidarity in the face of tragedy. “Despite their brilliant efforts, and their undoubted successes, brain tumours remain the number one killer of children and adults under 40 in the UK. “My grandmother died of a brain tumour, in 1972, in her seventies. She was the most lovely lady, dedicating her life to helping others, and recognition of that fact is found in the hospice in nearby Northampton being named ‘Cynthia Spencer’, in her honour. “While my grandmother lived a full life, others are cut down in their childhood or youth by the same, appalling, disease. In being a patron of The Brain Tumour Charity, I want to show my support for curbing brain tumours’ dark powers, and for turning the tide against a force that has claimed too many young lives.”
Amy Nuttall
Amy Nuttall
Actress and musician
Amy became one of our cherished celebrity supporters in January 2024. Best known for her appearances in Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Emmerdale and international hit series, Downton Abbey, she lost her beloved mum, Elaine, to a glioblastoma brain tumour in October 2023. Amy went on to release the fundraising single Thank You Mother, on Mother’s Day 2024. This brought with it unique opportunities to further raise awareness and Amy’s profile as our celebrity supporter and she sang as a VIP guest at the prestigious Smiley Charity Film Awards in Leicester Square. She also played a key part in our call for a UK-wide National Brain Tumour Strategy during Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) in March 2024 and took part, alongside her dad and nephew, in our flagship fundraising event, The Twilight Walk in London. Amy has been shortlisted for a Third Sector Award 2024 for the amazing work she’s done in support of The Brain Tumour Charity. She also starred in the new Beetlejuice movie released Sept 2024. “To become a part of this wonderful community, The Brain Tumour Charity, fills me with much pride and I hope very much that we can bring some much-needed change and awareness.”
Sophie Kinsella
Sophie Kinsella
Bestselling Author
Internationally award-winning and much-loved author Sophie Kinsella sadly died of a glioblastoma brain tumour in 2025, leaving behind a loving family, a legacy of acclaimed work and a courageous campaign to raise awareness of brain tumours.
Sophie frequently supported the work we do, particularly our call for our 2024 National Brain Tumour Strategy. She also appeared on Good Morning America to tell her story alongside her husband Henry. She inspired so many affected in the community, raising vital awareness. Her Oct 2024 novella “So What Does It Feel Like?” features The Twilight Walk and namechecks her support for us.
Sophie, together with her family and friends, organised two huge events for us in 2024; an exclusive classical music concert in London in July and a star-studded author and fan evening in October.
Before she died, Sophie said, “The Brain Tumour Charity is doing amazing work in supporting research into brain tumours, providing resources to patients and their families, and bringing hope to so many who, like me, have received the upsetting news that they have a brain tumour. “I am so grateful for all they do, and fully support their mission to improve treatments and raise awareness.”
‘What Does It Feel Like?’ made it onto the audible ‘Best of the year ’24’ list in December.
The Wanted, Tom and Kelsey Parker
The Wanted, Tom and Kelsey Parker
Musician
Singer Tom Parker and the rest of The Wanted supported our work in the years leading up to his tragic death from a glioblastoma brain tumour in 2022. Despite his diagnosis, Tom remained resolute in raising his voice to drive awareness of the disease, standing united with us in calling for further funds and innovation in research and for his heartfelt support and inspiration for so many others. The band and Tom supported the work we do and back in 2022 released a song to help us raise vital funds for research. This originally was borne from a request of Tom’s family to play Gold Forever at his memorial. The Wanted decided to create a more fitting version and Gold Forever (For Tom) was produced. The track was played at Tom’s memorial and the band posted it the same night so the fans could hear it Tom’s wife Kelsey continues to inspire all the community, particularly with her work with Ahead of the Game Foundation, and recently has supported our March 2024 call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy and promoted our new ‘Hope‘ puppet merchandise to mark BTAM 2025 across her social channels.
Phil Spencer
Phil Spencer
TV Personality
Phil Spencer, co-presenter of Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location and Love It or List It, has supported The Brain Tumour Charity for many years. He has taken part in several Verbier ‘Everest in the Alps’ for us; gruelling expeditions, skiing 8,848m uphill, the equivalent height of Mount Everest, to raise money for research we fund into low-grade paediatric brain tumours at The Everest Centre in Heidelberg, Germany. His support continues to help us drive change for youngsters like Spencer family friend Toby Ritchie, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of just five. Toby’s dad Rob, set up the iconic Everest in the Alps challenge. Phil has said of the challenge: “What will keep us going as a team is knowing that we’re making a difference. And The Brain Tumour Charity and the Everest Centre need that support and need us to make that difference.”
Lewis Moody MBE
Lewis Moody MBE
‘Mad Dog’ Moody, English rugby union player and part of the 2003 World Cup-winning team
“Getting involved with the Family Days through The Brain Tumour Charity has been fantastic on so many levels. Lifting the spirits of families going through challenging times, seeing them be able to communicate, offload and share their stories is humbling and the impact is instant. You see parents relaxed and supported, along with their children being happy and carefree from the mundane routine of daily medical intervention and worry. We feel proud to attend them and to support The Charity in all its endeavours.” Lewis and his wife, Annie, also run The Lewis Moody Foundation, working closely alongside us to raise funds and awareness. Lewis was one of a host of our High Profile Supporters who championed our call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy during Brain Tumour Awareness Month in March 2024 (pictured).
Holly Matthews
Holly Matthews
Actress
“When my husband Ross received his diagnosis, our world changed forever. Getting a brain cancer diagnosis is scary, especially when you then hear how little funding goes towards brain cancer research. It’s heartbreaking. You are left feeling no-one is even looking for answers, working out how to cure this deadly disease. How will we ever do that without support. “That’s why The Brain Tumour Charity’s work is essential. Don’t wait until someone close to you, or even you, is affected by this disease, do your best to support their work now. Together we can have a huge impact. For people like me, knowing that research is happening, is hope. It’s worth holding out for.” Ross sadly passed away in July 2017. Holly continues to be use her award-winning social media channels to help us promote our commitment to improving the quality of life for everyone affected. She was nominated as Influencer of the Year in our 2018 celebrating You Awards. She supported our call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy during Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) in March 2024.
Sian Reese-Williams
Sian Reese-Williams
Acclaimed TV and theatre actor
Sian, an award-winning stage and BBC star, ran the 2019 London Marathon for us to support the work we do and in memory of her wonderful brother Llŷr, who sadly died from a brain tumour. “My brother Llŷr lived with a brain tumour for 14 years and fought a brave fight every day. When we were told in the summer of 2018 that there was no more that could be done for him, I decided I wanted to do something to help the countless other families dealing with this terrible disease. “I discovered the brilliant work that The Brain Tumour Charity does in research and support for patients and their loved ones, and I am honoured to help them in whatever way I can. “My brother was a life-force. A man who lived every day of his life with joy, humour and courage. He never let his illness define him or stop him from doing anything he wanted to do and I’m so proud of him. The least I can do is try to help others live their lives in the same way, in Llŷr’s name.” Sian’s many roles include Emmerdale, the critically acclaimed Welsh crime drama Hinterland , the BAFTA award-winning series 35 Diwrnod for S4C and BBC One/Netflix drama Requiem. She has also won the BBC London Theatre Award. She supported our call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy during Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) in March 2024. Recently Sian attended March’s Senedd Welsh Parliament event, raising vital awareness & advocating for change for so many affected during Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) 2025.
Sherrie Hewson
Sherrie Hewson
Actress and TV presenter
Loose Women, Wonderbirds and Benidorm star Sherrie felt “driven” to help us raise awareness after her brother, Brett, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour. Sherrie played Solana manager, Joyce Temple-Savage, on ITV comedy Benidorm and toured the UK for nine months in the spin-off Benidorm – Live! show – and there are rumours it will soon hit the big screen. She was a popular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women for 14 years and has starred in many TV shows in a career spanning five decades including Coronation Street and Emmerdale and she took part in Celebrity Big Brother in 2015. “Brett’s diagnosis was devastating for the whole family. Out of all the roles I’ve had in the hundreds of years I’ve been in this business, this is the most important role because my brother and I want to raise awareness for The Brain Tumour Charity. “You never think it’s going to happen to you. You never think it’s going to be part of your family and, when it is, you don’t actually believe it. “Then it hits home – that it does happen and it is happening. “We all support each other but some families don’t have that – The Brain Tumour Charity offers support for children and adults.” Brett sadly died in 2020. Sherrie supported our call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy during Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) in March 2024. Watch Sherrie and Brett’s video Photo by: Julian Hamilton, Sunday People
Alastair Stewart OBE
Alastair Stewart OBE
Journalist and TV news presenter
Alastair provided the voiceover for our documentary filmmakers and supports our Everest in the Alps fundraising expedition “It is an honour to be able to work with such a worthwhile charity and their continuing efforts to tackle this disease.” Alastair also hosted our March 2018 ‘Ask the Researcher’ evening held at Kings College London. In attendance were leading brain tumour experts from around the world who presented their findings and new developments in treatments to an audience of members of our UK community. Alastair also continues to use his social media channels to support our key messages. He also supported our call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy during Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) in March 2024.
Dominic and Jess Matteo
Dominic and Jess Matteo
Footballer and broadcaster
Dominic is a former defender who played for, among others, Liverpool, Leeds and Scotland during a 15-year career and is recovering from a brain tumour diagnosis and surgery. In November 2022 he was diagnosed with an ependymoma brain tumour and had seven hours of surgery to remove it. Alongside his wife, Jess, he continues to help us raise vital awareness our research and to raise funds by supporting fundraising events. He backed our March 2024 call for the implementation of a National Brain Tumour Strategy. “Living with a brain tumour is tough, but so am I, and so you are you. The Brain Tumour Charity offers a wealth of support in all areas, for which myself my family and many others are eternally grateful. Dominic continues to support our individual fundraisers when he can and attended a huge golf tournament in Leeds in September 2024, together with his wife Jess. @Dominicmatteo21
Philippa Forrester
Philippa Forrester
Television presenter, producer and author
Philippa championed our HeadSmart early diagnosis campaign following her son Fred’s, brain tumour diagnosis. “On my husband’s birthday in 2016 we were told that it was likely that our 15-year old son Fred would die. A moment that will live in my heart forever.” In 2016, Fred had been experiencing exhaustion and struggled to concentrate at school but everyone assured her it was normal for a teenager. However, when persistent headaches kept happening, Philippa sought medical advice: “I took him to the doctor, who said they were migraines, which made perfect sense because that’s what my husband and I both have.” During the summer holidays, Fred was still complaining that his computer screen was making his head hurt. Something was not right. Another trip to another doctor followed. “The eye doctor said, ‘I want you to have an MRI scan immediately.” After arriving at hospital, Fred had a huge seizure and was rushed to an emergency room. Fred’s scans revealed that he had a rare PGNT glioma brain tumour. The news was devastating. Following surgery and regular scans Fred, now 17, has made a good recovery, his resilience shining through. “Early diagnosis is key. If I hadn’t taken him to the eye doctor we could have lost him. Often the tumour isn’t spotted and the person just dies because there isn’t time to save them. We have been incredibly lucky.” Philippa supported our call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy during Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) in March 2024. Read the full article here
Vicki Michelle MBE
Vicki Michelle MBE
Actress
Vicki has supported The Charity since 2023, following her beloved sister, Suzie’s brain tumour diagnosis. Most recently starring in EastEnders, Vicki Michelle’s career has spanned huge UK televisions series including Emmerdale and the iconic comedy series, ‘Allo ‘Allo! Vicki has appeared alongside some of the UK’s most famous and favourite comedians such as Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett, Les Dawson, Dick Emery, Kenny Everett, Cannon and Ball, Little and Large, Ken Dodd, Bobby Davro and Lenny Henry. Vicki attendee our much-publicised London art exhibition TIME, along with many of our High Profile Supporters such as Nicki Chapman and Hal Cruttenden and continues to champion our work, especially with our March 2024 call for a National Brain tumour Strategy. Sadly, her sister Suzie died in September 2023. “It is my privilege to support this charity in any way I can to help raise awareness of what needs to be done to fight this cruel and terrible disease, to help with fundraising for research and to let everyone affected by it know they don’t have to face it alone.” Vicki used her considerable media presence to support our call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy during Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) in March 2024.
Deliciously Ella and Matt Mills
Deliciously Ella and Matt Mills
Award-winning cookery author and entrepreneur and husband Matt Mills.
Ella Mills heads up the plant-based food and wellbeing company, deliciouslyella.com, now a global brand. She has supported our #UniteOnABike fitness event led by personal trainer and Barre coach, Rod Buchanan, (a regular at our iconic Twilight Walk London events) who is living with a brain tumour himself. Matt ran the 2019 London Marathon for us, raising vital funds and awareness on social media of the work we do. Deliciously Ella also contributed exclusive recipes as part of our newly-designed Information Packs. “We’re really pleased to be supporting all the brilliant work that The Brain Tumour Charity does. Our family have been affected by a brain tumour and we’ve seen first-hand how important the support, research and awareness they offer is.” Ella is the daughter-in-law of Baroness Tessa Jowell, who galvanised the political community in the House of Lords with her campaign for those affected by brain tumours following her own diagnosis. Ella and Matt continue to support the vital work we and other charities do for everyone affected.
The Charlatans
The Charlatans
Band
Together with lead singer Tim Burgess, The Charlatans have continued to support us in our aims of raising awareness, support and funds for vital research into brain tumours. The band’s hugely talented and much-loved drummer, Jon Brookes, died of a brain tumour in 2013. View their website
Marc Silk
Marc Silk
Voice actor: Star Wars, Aardman, Scooby-Doo and more
Marc has supported The Charity for many years, spearheading our Jake animations that highlight the vital support work we do. A key champion of our determination to drive change, Marc took part in our hugely popular Family Days throughout 2019, offering support and inspiration to those who came along. “The intention behind Jake is brilliant and I’m sure he’ll help The Charity’s fantastic work.” Marc supported our call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy during Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) in March 2024.High Profile Influencers
These influencers galvanise their social channel followers, represent the community across multimedia news outlets, and support our campaigning work across government. Their national and international impact is key to helping us raise vital awareness of the work we do for everyone affected.
Gracie Nuttall
Gracie Nuttall
Described as a ‘Force of Nature’ by Phoebe our Partnerships Manager, Gracie is a hugely respected and inspirational podcaster, campaigner, and supporter of The Brain tumour Charities.
Gracie channels her creative talents into launching her podcast series entitled The Dead Sibling Society, with co-host Callum Fairhurst, the founder of the Sibling Support Charity. Gracie said: “I think as a society, there needs to be much more of a conversation about sibling grief, and more done to help children and young adults who lose siblings. It simply isn’t talked about enough, and that is why we started the podcast.“
She is a University of Salford TV and Film Production graduate and the younger sister of the inspirational Laura, a former Young Ambassador of The Brain Tumour Charity who was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour when Gracie was just sixteen. The years that followed saw the sisters garnering a huge amount of support for Laura’s bucket list as she underwent multiple rounds of treatment in the face of her diagnosis.
Sadly Laura died in May 2023, at only age 23. Since Laura’s death, Gracie and her family have channelled their grief into helping to raise funds for research into brain tumours by setting up The Be More Laura Foundation. Gracie has used her creative talents to design T-shirts and bags with her sister’s inspiring words: “Be kind. Be brave. Be silly. Be honest.” They have received orders from around the world and each package includes a Better Safe Than Tumour leaflet, highlighting the signs and symptoms of brain tumours.
In 2024, Gracie attended our activation event outside Parliament urging the Government to form a National Brain Tumour Strategy and later that year also delivered a speech to a crowd of hundreds at The Brain Tumour Charity’s flagship Twilight Walk event in London, reaffirming the importance of investment into research into brain tumours and awareness of the signs and symptoms of this unforgiving. Gracie has an impressive social media following across her platforms, which many of the brain tumour community seek comfort and companionship from.
A TikTok video Gracie made about her sister’s journey in November went viral with more than 28 million views, and over 30,000 comments from viewers sharing their own heartbreaking stories.
Listen to Gracie’s podcast, alongside co-host Callum here
Grace Latter
Grace Latter
Grace is a freelance writer and speaker among other fun things, and has written a blog for more than half of her lifetime. She was diagnosed with a low grade pilocytic astrocytoma plus attached cysts, abnormally deep in her left temporal lobe, wedged between her brain stem and cerebellum, in 2014 – just as she was finishing three years at the University of Winchester studying Drama & Creative Writing. She blogged throughout her entire journey from the long process of investigating symptoms (and pestering her GP) to earth-shattering diagnosis, to surgery in Hurstwood Park (Haywards Heath). The posts reached tens of thousands of readers across the UK and internationally, and this is when she became connected to The Brain Tumour Charity team and joined the social media support group. In 2015, her tumour and its cysts grew back, and she went back in for further surgery and then some radiotherapy at the Royal Marsden, Sutton. Fast forward nearly a decade, she’s still got a teeny bit of tumour remaining but has been declared stable and is down to just one MRI scan and consultant check-up each year! Since her relationship with The Charity began when a kind care package was sent to her post-diagnosis, she’s been a Young Ambassador, mentor, fundraiser, and award-winning influencer. She’s also been the face of a few YouTube videos and ad campaigns… that Drama degree is coming in handy! Grace’s family and friends did their sixth Twilight Walk in 2023 in honour of Graham Wood, a brilliant and hilarious friend Grace made in hospital who sadly passed away last year after living with his tumour for the best part of a decade – which wasn’t bad going, as he’d only been given 2-3 years. Team Grr lives on! “I pushed so hard with my GPs and hospital teams to be listened to and have the right tests done, for many months. I dream of a day when it doesn’t take that long to be diagnosed and treated. That time lost could make all the difference.“ Check out Grace’s blog: almostamazinggrace.com
Lisa Connell
Lisa Connell
Lisa Connell, founder of Influential Stars, has dedicated her life to raising awareness of brain tumours ever since her diagnosis in 2006. Now, with her new platform, Influential Stars (a relaunch of Rent A Date For Charity), she is connecting creators with over 10K followers to vital causes, particularly focusing on life-limiting fundraisers and smaller organisations in urgent need of support. Her mission is to ensure these causes receive the exposure they need through the power of social influence. Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, which she describes as an ‘octopus’ due to its tentacle-like layers, Lisa’s personal journey has deepened her commitment to helping others. Over the past decade, her tumour remained stable, allowing her to defy medical odds and welcome her miracle daughter Ruby, now eight years old. However, Lisa recently learned that her tumour is slowly growing again, a development linked to entering peri-menopause. This experience fuels her passion for raising awareness and supporting those facing life-changing and life-threatening circumstances. Through her platform, InfluentialStars.org, she inspires hope by connecting creators, celebrities, and charitable causes in exclusive meet and greet prize draws. These campaigns allow supporters to share ‘FIT List’ experiences with their idols while raising vital funds and awareness for UK charitable causes. Lisa also champions ‘The FIT List Challenge’, encouraging the public to nominate creators to take on bucket-list-style activities, all in the name of making a tangible difference. Her unwavering dedication continues to empower others to use their influence, no matter the size, to create lasting impact.
Heather Dearie
Heather Dearie
Heather was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma brain tumour in 2010 and has tirelessly campaigned and raised funds for The Brain Tumour Charity since 2014.
She regularly volunteers to attend Scottish government workshops to ensure that The Charity’s perspective is heard. Heather is also part of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce’s ‘Patient Advocate Group’, recently meeting with cabinet Secretary for Health, Humza Yousaf and sharing her story and highlighting the need to address healthcare policy when it comes to brain tumour patients.
Heather is also instrumental in reaching out and showcasing our amazing supporters over on her social media channels and has become a beacon of support and influence in many of our celebrity actions, in particular with members of The Wanted.
She was awarded the ‘Change Maker Award’ last year, for her work to raise awareness and drive change after her own brain tumour diagnosis. The Brain Tumour Charity’s community-led awards took place in April 2023, at London’s prestigious Business Design Centre, with comedian and presenter Hal Cruttenden hosting.
Hal, a Long-time High Profile Supporter of ours, said: “Their fearless change-makers are dedicated to ensuring the needs of people affected by a brain tumour are recognised by those in power.
“Heather has continued to step forward to steer the direction of The Charity’s work and provided a platform for the community’s voices for change.”
Molly Fenton
Molly Fenton
Molly is an award-winning women’s health activist committed to starting difficult conversations to dismantle stigmas. In light of her own brain tumour diagnosis, causing difficult periods and hormonal symptoms growing up, Molly began the Love Your Period campaign. The aim was to ensure all girls were equipped with the right resources to ‘know their normal’ and stay healthy and also to have the ability to advocate for themselves when they think something is wrong. Molly’s voice is highly respected by influential figures in Wales and beyond. Former First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, labelled the campaign as ‘Wales’ big sister’ – Molly has since adopted this phrase. The cross-party support from politicians goes hand-in-hand with the campaigning Molly carries out for The Brain Tumour Charity as a Young Ambassador (2024-2026). Molly uses her social media platforms to document life as a young woman navigating her 20s with illness, often by addressing the symptoms and experiences she found embarrassing, therefore put off getting help for. These discussions have helped shape policies and influence grassroots change and better support for fellow young people who face health challenges. Follow Molly on Instagram: @mollfenton and X: @mollyfentonx
Nicholas Wade
Nicholas Wade
Nicholas, 27, is a professional pickleball player and coach, ranked number 2 in the UK and number 9 in Europe. He is determined to use his platform to raise awareness of brain tumours, after his own diagnosis “totally changed me and my perspective on life.”
Finding out he had a brain tumour, in May 2024, was a total shock. He was “the fittest I’ve ever felt.” Then one morning he woke up in hospital, unaware he’d been rushed there after having a seizure while sleeping. Medics told him his tumour, on his right frontal lobe, had been there since birth. A month later, surgeons were able to successfully remove it. But from that point began the huge job of recovering his physical and mental strength.
Nicholas, who had to learn to walk, shower, and feed himself again before he could think of being back on court, says he coped by being patient and taking one step at a time.
He is now back playing, coaching, and documenting his experiences on the pickleball tour, and his ambitions are higher than ever:
“I want to become the world #1. A lot of people laugh at me and mock me. But if I’m better today than I was yesterday, why can’t I keep pushing to achieve my dreams?
“There’s a huge stigma with brain tumours that you’ll not be able to achieve great things after surgery. I’m here to change that stigma, to be a beacon of hope and an inspiration, showing that after a brain tumour I can still achieve anything I want and chase my dreams.”
Follow Nicholas on Instagram @nicholaswade_pb
Nicholas’ YouTube channel
Jake Devline-Reed
Jake Devline-Reed
Jake, from Swansea, star of BBC Three’s I Kissed a Boy, the UK’s first gay dating show, was inspired to work with us after losing his grandfather, Kenneth, to a brain tumour in 2018 – just two weeks after the passing of his grandmother, Pauline, who died from sepsis. Jake, 29, a personal trainer and water sports enthusiast, said:
“It felt like my whole world was crumbling. We were only just dealing with my nan’s death, when my grandad collapsed the day after her funeral. To hear them say he had a brain tumour and just six months to live was like a punch to the gut. In fact, he died just two weeks later aged 80.
“My grandparents brought me and my sister up since my dad died when I was 13, so I was really close to both of them. Their deaths have shown me just how fragile and interconnected life can be.”
Being open and honest about his grief was crucial to his own healing. Now Jake, a dedicated wellbeing, fitness and mental health advocate who uses his social media platforms to highlight these causes, and has featured across media including BBC, FUBAR Radio, Instinct Magazine, The Tab, EDGE and Queerty, is determined to use his profile to shine a light on brain tumours:
“It’s so important to find people who support you during these tough times. Charities like this one can make a massive difference in everyday lives
“The more we talk, the more healing can happen.”
Follow Jake on Instagram
Rod Buchanan
Rod Buchanan
Rod is highly acclaimed fitness influencer who has supported The Brain Tumour Charity for many years, his story featured in media and across The Charity’s website.
After surviving a brain tumour diagnosis in 2010, Rod went from being a professional dancer in London’s Westend and touring the globe with the likes of Kylie Minogue, to focus on a life of Health & Wellness. Hailed as “The most fun and motivational workouts” by the Sunday Times.
“The Brain Tumour Charity is more than just a charity, it’s a community, a family supporting those who have lost, those living with and those who survived.”
He is passionate about his partnership with the charity, hosting yearly fundraising events alongside contributing to The Charity’s iconic London Twilight Walk.
Instagram @bodbyrodpt
Rod’s website
Celebrity Supporters
These celebrities have worked with us in the past and continue to support our determination to drive change for everyone affected, from our 2024 call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy, to supporting the community with their fundraising initiatives over the past few years. We continue to be hugely grateful for their support.
Mollie King
Mollie King
Mollie King, The Saturdays singer and Radio 1 broadcaster, lost her beloved dad Stephen, to a brain tumour in August 2022 and since then has raised funds and awareness through her media status and her own fundraising. Her sister Laura ran the London Marathon for us in 2023 and Mollie said: “My family have been utterly heartbroken by what this horrible disease did to Dad and want to do all we can to raise awareness and funds for @thebraintumourcharity, who work to help everyone affected by a brain tumour or brain cancer.”
Miles Jupp
Miles Jupp
Comedian, presenter and author, Miles Jupp, himself living with a brain tumour diagnosis, lent his considerable support to our ongoing call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy in 2024, during Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM). His recent tour On I Bang, based around his own diagnosis, became critically-acclaimed and Miles continues to support our community and our work to drive change as one of our cherished Celebrity Supporters.
Sue Perkins
Sue Perkins
Broadcaster, presenter and author Sue Perkins, living with her own brain tumour diagnosis, has supported all UK charities in tackling this devastating disease. Sue recently interviewed our other High Profile Supporter, actress Amy Nuttall (pictured) on her Radio 2 show, talking about the release of Amy’s charity track for us during Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) 2024.
Anthony Forde, wife Laura and Wrexham AFC
Anthony Forde, wife Laura and Wrexham AFC
Wrexham footballer Anthony Forde, along with his wife Laura Mangan and Wrexham AFC, have lent their support to our work, especially our call for National Brain Tumour Strategy in 2024. Laura was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2023.
Rob Delaney
Rob Delaney
Internationally-acclaimed comedian, actor and author Rob Delaney tragically lost his son Henry to a brain tumour in 2016. Rob supported our work on social channels during Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) 2024, backing our UK call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy.
Kelsey Parker
Kelsey Parker
Singer Tom Parker’s wife, Kelsey, continues to inspire all the community, particularly with her work with Ahead of the Game Foundation, and most recently has supported our March 2024 call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy over on our social channels. She also attended our much-publicised TIME art exhibition in London 2023.
James Jordan
James Jordan
After James’ dad Allen, died from a brain tumour in March 2021, he went on to support and fundraise for us, famously shaving his head. The popular Strictly Come Dancing star, along with his wife Ola, continue to support our work.
Dawn Cruttenden
Dawn Cruttenden
Dawn, previously married to our High Profile Supporter, Hal Cruttenden, is a renown artist and author. She has supported The Brain Tumour Charity over many years, attending our events such as our Celebrating You Awards, and she took part in TIME, our 2023 London art exhibition with her own work.
Charly Clive
Charly Clive
Charly Clive is an English actress, known for her role as Marnie in the television series Pure. In 2015, aged 23, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, she wrote about her experience in a sellout comedy show with Ellen Robertson called Britney, which was named after her brain tumour. She was nominated as one of the Screen Stars of Tomorrow in 2018. Read our interview with Charly here.
Roman Kemp and Martin Kemp
Roman Kemp and Martin Kemp
Martin has championed The Brain Tumour Charity’s work over many years since his own brain tumour diagnosis. The English musician and actor has previously been hugely supportive of our symptom awareness campaign HeadSmart, and our Young Ambassador program, offering hope and inspiration in their own experiences of this devastating disease.
Mel Giedroyc
Mel Giedroyc
Mel has previously supported our symptoms awareness campaign, HeadSmart, that has successfully reduced the diagnosis time for paediatric brain tumours from over thirteen to six weeks. The English actress, comedian and television presenter and co-star with fellow celebrity Supporter, Sue Perkins, has been a hugely influential media personality for many years.
Dawn French
Dawn French
Actress and author, Dawn has been a long-term supporter of The Brain Tumour Charity and friend of our founders, Neil and Angela Dickson. She continues to champion our work through them and The Samantha Dickson Fund, set up in memory of their beloved daughter who died from a brain tumour and who who inspired the formation of The Charity.
Jim Moir (Vic Reeves)
Jim Moir (Vic Reeves)
Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves) is a hugely influential UK comedian and acclaimed artist and has had his own brain tumour diagnosis. He has been a feature of British broadcasting for many years, along with comedian Bob Mortimer. They have both been kingpins of shaping popular culture and Jim now concentrates on his prestigious artistic career and influence. He recently supported our UK government call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy during Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) in March 2024.
Matt Allwright
Matt Allwright
Matt Allwright, a much-loved British TV personality, presenter and journalist, has supported our HeadSmart and awareness campaigns, particularly during various Brain Tumour Awareness Months (BTAM) over the last few years.
Jonny Wilkinson CBE
Jonny Wilkinson CBE
Former Rugby Union player for England and the British and Irish Lions: “I cannot even begin to imagine what families and individuals go through when confronted with such a disease. The Brain Tumour Charity is inspiring change, a reason to believe and they are providing genuine hope that one day soon it won’t have to be this way.”
Lorraine Kelly OBE
Lorraine Kelly OBE
Broadcaster and journalist: “Over 800 people will be diagnosed with a brain tumour during the Brain Tumour Awareness Month of March and brain tumours are still the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40. This has to change. I am going to #WearItOut with love on 4 March for all those affected by brain tumours and fully support the great work The Brain Tumour Charity does for this important campaign and others in 2016 and beyond.” Lorraine featured Peter Williams on her prime-time morning show, highlighting and supporting his incredible fundraising challenge. Peter cycled over 200 miles on his seven-year-old daughter Ellie’s tiny bike – her last Christmas gift – in her memory. The route started at Bristol Children’s Hospital where Ellie received treatment and finished a week later at Land’s End and with the help of the publicity of Lorraine’s show, managed to raise over £35,000.
Olivia Colman CBE
Olivia Colman CBE
Oscar-winning actress, Olivia has supported our work in defeating brain tumours and our drive for more vital funds for research. Acclaimed for her work across global TV, theatre and film, Olivia continues to pick up awards in her dazzling career. She was at the forefront of Brain Tumour Awareness Month work in March 2017 and continues to support the research, awareness and support work we do. Watch Olivia’s message of support for us here.
Nick ‘Peanut’ Baines (Kaiser Chiefs)
Nick 'Peanut' Baines (Kaiser Chiefs)
Keyboardist for the Kaiser Chiefs, Nick ‘Peanut’ Baines (far left) is the keystone to the world-famous indie rock band The Kaiser Chiefs. Nick’s beloved Dad, Alan, died from a gbm, just four months after being diagnosed. Nick has supported the work we do, striving for a cure, and lending his considerable support to our social media presence.
Phil Tufnell
Phil Tufnell
Phil, a former English international cricketer and media personality, has championed The Brain Tumour Charity over many years, particularly lending his support to our fundraising community for specific events and also on his many TV appearances, most recently in Spring 2024.
Tchéky Karyo
Tchéky Karyo
Award-wining international actor
It is with heavy heart that The Charity mourns the death of beloved actor Tchéky Karyo. He was an incredible, iconic actor and a dear #HighProfileSupporter of The Charity, one of the nicest celebrity people we’ve had the privilege of their support. In the last, third, series of The Missing, Tchéky’s detective character, Julien Baptiste, was diagnosed with a brain tumour. The devastating effects of this on his work, the case and his family relationships was expertly portrayed, garnering praise from the brain tumour community and viewers of the hugely successful drama. The spin off series, Baptiste, achieved one of the BBC’s highest audience ratings of 2019 and Tchéky continues to support our work. Tchéky has also featured in our Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM) campaigns and continues to support our work. The French-Turkish actor also supports a French cystic fibrosis charity. “Best of luck for all the people you fight for.” The Missing series 2 was one of the highest viewed UK shows of the that year and Tchéky returned to our screens in the spin-off drama, ‘Baptiste’.
Jason Durr
Jason Durr
Actor
Casualty star Jason and his wife Kate, are close friends with Ella’s Fosbury-Hill’s parents. Ella lost her life to a brain tumour in 2013 at the age of just 11. “Ella’s loss was devastating and, as friends, it was hard to watch such a wonderful little girl succumb to such a cruel disease and watch the impact on her family. “Working on the Casualty storyline brought back memories of Ella’s devastating diagnosis and the feeling of wanting to believe there is hope – even when there is none. “I know that more can be done to treat and possibly cure this disease and prevent the awful suffering it causes for those affected and their families. “Now I am backing The Brain Tumour Charity because I support its mission to defeat brain tumours so that other families are saved the heartache I’ve seen Ella’s family endure.” Watch Jason’s message of support
Dillon St.Paul
Dillon St.Paul
Art Director
Dillon St. Paul is a multi-award winning Art Director who has spent more than 16 years in the media and magazine publishing industry. He is best known for his appearance as a candidate in 2016’s The Apprentice on BBC One. Dillon was diagnosed with a glioma and underwent neurosurgery to have it removed. He wrote a heartfelt and cathartic blog post on his website about his experience which resonated with thousands of our community. “I think it’s hugely important to raise more awareness of brain tumours and the implications they can have on patients’ lives – not just from a scientific medical stance but also from a human one. “I aim to help to create wider understanding of the effects brain surgery and a diagnosis can have on an individual and their families on a emotive level through my own experience.”
Steve Backshall
Steve Backshall
BAFTA-winning TV presenter, naturalist and explorer
Steve is backing our drive to reduce diagnosis times for paediatric brain tumours “Brain tumours are still woefully underfunded as is the research into them. It’s vital that we get behind the incredibly invaluable work for those who are affected and those who could be in the future.” Watch Steve’s video message here
Owain Arthur
Owain Arthur
Actor Owain Arthur portrayed Glen, who has a glioblastoma, in Casualty’s powerful storyline
“Playing Glen gave me an insight into the devastation of being diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and the horrific challenges – both physically and emotionally – people face every day. Out of respect to them, I wanted my portrayal to be as accurate and sensitive as possible. “I have the utmost admiration and respect for people living with a brain tumour who get up every morning, determined to make the most of their day. I’m happy and honoured that playing Glen has helped me to raise awareness about such a cruel disease and this brilliant charity’s mission to defeat it. “The Brain Tumour Charity’s expertise and crucial advice enabled me to do justice to Glen’s role – I couldn’t have done it without them.” Owain recently supported our call for a National Brain Tumour Strategy during March’s Brain Tumour Awareness Month 2024 (BTAM). We supported the August 2024 release of Season 2 of the acclaimed The Rings of Power, starring Owain. Watch Owain’s message of support
Martino Sclavi
Martino Sclavi
Film producer, author
In March 2020 sadly, Martino Sclavi died. He was a driving force in much of our work, and a huge advocate for the entire brain tumour community. He had the most wonderful personality; warm, funny and incredibly passionate about the need for more research and greater support for people affected by brain tumours. He talked openly about his own diagnosis and used his platform to help inspire others facing the same prognosis. We will all miss him greatly and our thoughts are with his family. Martino was a long-standing High Profile Supporter of The Charity, championing our drive for research and a figure at many of our events. His book The Finch In My Brain was a huge source of inspiration to others affected, becoming a must-read tale of triumph over treatment and he was loved by our community. Martino always took time to meet others affected; at our Celebrating You Awards where he was a guest of honour, supporting our comedy nights, or attending our charity events. He was only too happy to reach out with personal contact to those he met and those whose hearts he touched. Most recently he appeared in an Autumn 2019 documentary supporting Helena Traill’s 100 Stories acclaimed cancer art project and book. Helena’s mum, Angela, paid tribute to him: “Martino touched our lives through our daughter, whom he helped with her final degree, with his openness about his illness. He inspired her to live each day with less fear about what might happen. Rather as he said, ‘today is a beautiful day!’ You will be sorely missed and we are very lucky that Helena met and spoke to you. You helped her so much. RIP Martino and Thank you for everything.” Martino’s loss is a fierce reminder of why we must move further and faster every day in the battle against brain tumours, so that other families do not have to endure this kind of heartbreak in the future. Martino was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2011 while working on a film in Los Angeles and underwent surgery. Six months later he had another operation in Rome. Devastatingly, the side effects of this surgery and the tumour drastically affected his ability to read. Martino’s book, documenting this transformation of his life, has recently been published. He has thrown his considerable support behind the work we do in terms of raising awareness and understanding of brain tumours and their effects on all those affected. “Six years ago I woke up in a hospital in Los Angeles where I was told that I had 98% chance of dying within 18 months. After a second brain operation I realised that I could no longer read the text that I was typing away instinctively. “So I embraced my computer and started writing The Finch in My Brain, a book about the various adventures of my family and I, trying everything possible to beat these impossible odds. “Given that this battle with cancer is extremely complex, we all need to attack it simultaneously from all sides, scientifically, psychologically, financially, socially and politically.” Martino’s book The Finch in My Brain is published by Hodder & Stoughton
The Neales
The Neales
Musicians
The Neales are a four-piece family band and finalists of Britain’s Got Talent 2015. They’ve given The Charity huge support for fundraising and awareness, attending and promoting the likes of our Joseph Foote Ball and The Lewis Moody Foundation and they’re working with us on future 2017/2018 campaigns. “Having had first-hand experience of the impact a brain tumour can have on a family, we are honoured to support the incredible work the charity does. “Furthermore, the family values and inspirational attitude demonstrated by so many of the people behind The Brain Tumour Charity makes us proud to continue to help however we can.” The Neales are made up of father Laurie Neale (62), and brothers James Neale (30), Dan Neale (28) and Phil Neale (26). Visit their website
Russell Watson
Russell Watson
Classical singer
A long-term supporter of the charity and having survived two brain tumours himself, Russell threw his 2018 ‘Canzoni d’Amore’ tour’s weight behind our work. Described by the New York Times as a performer “who sings like Pavarotti and entertains the audience like Sinatra”, he subsequently released ten studio albums, each one receiving more critical acclaim than the last. “Being diagnosed with a brain tumour is devastating for those affected and their loved ones. I’m honoured to support The Brain Tumour Charity; not only do they provide invaluable support for patients and families at the most difficult of times, they actively raise awareness of symptoms to enable quicker diagnosis, and provide essential funding for pioneering research into treatments of this life-threatening illness.” Russell’s recent support has included the call for our 2024 government-backed National Brain Tumour Strategy during March’s Brain Tumour Awareness Month (BTAM). View his website
Sandy Lyle MBE
Sandy Lyle MBE
Scottish championship golfer and broadcaster
One of Britain’s top golfers in the 1980s, Sandy was made a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012. Sandy has supported the charity ever since, appearing at fundraising events and advocating for the work we do. “In 1997, Neil and Angela Dickson contacted me asking if I could support the Samantha Dickson Brain trust and, after reading Samantha’s story, it didn’t take me long to become a patron. “Now, many years later as The Brain Tumour Charity, I am proud to see how much has been achieved but know too how much more is needed. “Future research together with the support and care for the diagnosed and not to forget bringing awareness all requires continuous funding. “Golf lost Seve Ballesteros to a brain tumour. He was an Icon, a fierce competitor, a legend and a personal friend of mine. I know he would have wished for every child to get a chance to experience golf. How fitting for me to continue my support.”
Ian ‘Chilly’ Chillcott
Ian 'Chilly' Chillcott
Angler, broadcaster and author
Affectionately known as Chilly, Ian is a star of the angling community, a renowned carp fisherman, acclaimed author and TV commentator, as well as a beacon of inspiration and expertise in the angling community in the UK and internationally. Chilly was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2017 and has supported the work we do ever since. He also hosts the annual Chilly Chillcott Cup, a Berkshire fishing competition at Holme Grange Fishery each June that brings many of the community together to raise vital funds and awareness.Researchers and healthcare professionals
Professor Richard Gilbertson MD, PhD
Professor Richard Gilbertson MD, PhD
Director, Cambridge Cancer Center
“I have spent more than 25 years studying the biology and treatment of children’s brain tumours. Therefore it is both a pleasure and honour to serve one of the world’s largest brain tumour charities as together we seek to fund the most excellent brain tumour research. The SAB plays a critical role in the charity and wider research community, ensuring that we identify and select for funding the highest quality research projects that will have the greatest impact for patients.”
Professor Colin Watts
Professor Colin Watts
Clinician Scientist & Hon Consultant Neurosurgeon
Professor Watts specialises in the genomics of glioblastoma (GBM) and in the role of glial progenitors in their evolution and development. His team are also interested in developing patient-specific models of GBM to evaluate intra-tumour variability in genomic and clonal architecture. They have developed FGMS (Fluorescence-Guided Multiple Sampling) as a unique means of interrogating GBM in real time during surgery. This is coupled with integrated genomic analysis to establish high-resolution molecular genetic characterisation of GBM, enable phylogenetic reconstruction and define clonal organisation of tumours at the level of the individual patient.
Dr Antony Michalski
Dr Antony Michalski
Paediatric oncologist, Great Ormond Street Hospital
A consultant at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) since 1993, Dr Michalski leads a multi-disciplinary team committed to delivering the best outcomes and patient centred care. He is Chair of the National Cancer Research Institute Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Central Nervous System Subgroup, promoting research into childhood brain tumours. Dr Michalski has also published 34 papers in peer reviewed journals and has written book chapters and reviews. He holds national grants for research into childhood brain tumours. He is also a member of The Brain Tumour Charity’s Quality of Life Scientific Advisory Board, the group responsible for the assessment and rating of applications for research funding and makes recommendations to The Charity’s Board of Trustees, and is also a supporter of the Lewis Moody Foundation.
Professor Keyoumars Ashkan
Professor Keyoumars Ashkan
Professor of Neurosurgery, King’s College Hospital
Prof Ashkan is the Professor of Neurosurgery at King’s College Hospital with specialist interests in neuro-oncology, functional and image guided neurosurgery with 20 years of consultant level experience. Prof Ashkan is the clinical lead for neuro-oncology covering the 4.5 million population of South East London and Kent. He has an active research interest in brain tumours and has over 650 publications; serves on a number of international committees and is a reviewer for several high impact medical journals. He is the Co-Chair of the Neuroscience Research Delivery Unit at King’s. He serves on the council of the Society of British Neurological Surgeons and is the Immediate Past President of the British Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. He led the Genomics England 100K Genomes Project for Brain Tumours. His surgery to remove a brain tumour whilst the patient remained awake and played the violin reached the global audience.
Professor Susan Short
Professor Susan Short
Professor of Clinical Oncology and Neuro-Oncology, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology Wellcome Trust
“In my field of brain tumour research, the challenges are particularly tough. I’ve been working with teams at University College London and The University of Leeds on repurposing a drug called hydroxychloroquine, which is licensed to treat arthritis and malaria. Thanks to promising laboratory tests, we think hydroxychloroquine could help brain tumour patients by making their cancer cells more sensitive to radiotherapy treatment.” Read Professor Susan Short’s blog post on treating brain tumours
Professor Barry Pizer
Professor Barry Pizer
Consultant Paediatric Oncologist, Alder Hay Hospital
“I am delighted to welcome the results of ‘Losing my Place: The Reality of Childhood with a Brain Tumour‘. In my opinion this is a very important addition to the literature on Central Nervous System Tumours in Children and young people. As health professionals dealing with patients suffering from brain tumours, our focus is very much on trying to cure our patients and their is a clear risk of losing sight of the effects that a brain tumour has on the everyday lives of patients and their families as they go through the treatment journey and beyond. “The study is important for patients themselves to appreciate that they are not alone in their problems and may help patients open up to their families and treatment team. In addition, the results of this study should be strongly considered when planning the care of brain tumour sufferers including the provision of optimum support for patients and their families.”
Mr Sorin Bucur MD, MRCS (Ed), FRCS (SN)
Mr Sorin Bucur MD, MRCS (Ed), FRCS (SN)
Consultant neurosurgeon, Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals, and guest keynote speaker at our 2015 Brighton Information day
“Developments and possible cures will come through research and from the redesign for tumour classification. It’s just a matter of money but discoveries, new treatments and one day hopefully cures will be found. Thank you to your organisation for helping make this possible for every neurological department in this country.”
Dr Paul Brennan BSc (Hons) MB BChir MRCS (Ed), PhD
Dr Paul Brennan BSc (Hons) MB BChir MRCS (Ed), PhD
Senior lecturer in neurosurgery, University of Edinburgh, leading our 2016 Early Diagnosis research.
“Our research aims to understand the reasons why some adult patients take longer than others to be diagnosed with a brain tumour. The team will propose simple guidelines that will help GPs better identify which patients have a brain tumour and hopefully lead to rapid referral to a specialist. This research could transform the lives of brain tumour patients.” Read our interview with Paul in which he talks about his inspiration to become a researcher as well as what he is working on.
Professor Denise Sheer BSc, BSc(Hons), D.Phil.
Professor Denise Sheer BSc, BSc(Hons), D.Phil.
Researcher at Queen Mary, University of London
“The way The Brain Tumour Charity funds research is a great example of best practice. The projects are scrutinised thoroughly by independent peer reviewers, which leads to a period of interaction where they suggest ways that the project might be improved. They support innovative research, and this is exactly what the field needs. The Charity is doing a fabulous job of advancing brain tumour research.”
Dr Chris Jones
Dr Chris Jones
The Institue of Cancer Research, London
“The impact of The Brain Tumour Charity’s funding over the last 18 months has meant that we have already been able to identify a link between the development of tumours and the mechanisms that control the repair of DNA within the cells. This is a big step forward for us. Over the coming months we aim to identify newer, safer, less toxic therapies specifically targeted so they spare children from existing toxic or ineffective therapies and improve quality of life.” Read more about paediatric research
Dr Steve Pollard
Dr Steve Pollard
Cancer Research UK Senior Research Fellow, The University of Edinburgh
Dr Pollard established his own independent lab in 2010 at the new UCL Cancer Institute, supported by The Brain Tumour Charity (within the Samantha Dickson Brain Cancer Unit). In 2013 his lab relocated to the MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and he was awarded the prestigious Cancer Research UK Senior Fellowship. His group is exploiting the latest genome editing technologies that have opened up new opportunities for understanding the biology of glioblastomas (GBM). Find out more about Dr Pollard’s workIn this section
Recommended reading
We’re raising the benchmark
We’ve been recognised as Charity of the Year 2018 for our pioneering approach, innovative research solutions and, above all, our community-centred approach to everything we do.