The two-year Young Ambassador Programme is for young adults aged 18-25, who have either been affected by their own brain tumour diagnosis, or that of a loved one.
If you think you’d be interested in becoming a Young Ambassador in the future, please email [email protected]
“Being a Young Ambassador has allowed me to connect with a charity and community close to my heart. We’ve all made friends for life, enjoyed events and weekends away together, been able to influence change, assist research and raise funds for the charity.
Being a Young Ambassador provides so many opportunities to make a difference… and have fun doing it.”
“I wanted to become a Young Ambassador to support and guide other young people through the difficult phase of a brain cancer diagnosis. I’m looking forward to getting to know other people with brain tumour and raising awareness.”Alexander was a valued member of our Young Ambassador 24-26 cohort, and sadly died in January 2025. We truly enjoyed getting to know him during his application and at the induction in April where he visited us in Fleet. Alexander showcased remarkable creativity, sharing his experience with his diagnosis through music and his blog. Alexander was a really special person, and his memory and space in the Young Ambassador Programme will be remembered.
“I wanted to become a young ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity because I want to make a difference in the lives of other people who have been affected by a brain tumour diagnosis. I am most looking forward to raising awareness and funds for The Brain Tumour Charity, ensuring everyone with a diagnosis and their loved ones have access to any support which they may need. I am also looking forward to meeting like-minded people and working alongside them with the goal of finding a cure”
“I’m really passionate about the work the Brain Tumour Charity does, after hearing about the Charity after my dad became unwell and was offered a place on the Cannabinoid trial. My dad is terminally ill and in his legacy, I would love to support the work the charity to provide my lived experience of having a family member suffer from a terminally illness. I’m most looking forward to representing the work the Charity does, and sharing my lived experience to help benefit others that are going through similar journeys to me. I love that the charity champions lived experience and co-production, and to be part of that on a cause that’s really important to me excites me!”
“I didn’t have the knowledge to read the warning signs, I feel if I knew what to look for my tumour could have been dealt with much faster & effectively. I want to be a young ambassador so I can be on the front line of spreading awareness and hopefully get people diagnosed and treated before it’s too late.”
“I wanted to become a Young Ambassador in memory of my mum, who passed away at 37. Losing her when I was young made an impact on my whole life growing up. There are those that are going through or will go through similar situations due to brain tumours. So I want to help raise awareness and make a difference for a cause close to my heart.”
“Having been a brain tumour patient since the age of 12, I completely understand the devastating effects that a brain tumour diagnosis can have on life. As I have been lucky enough to recover to a new normal, I now want to help drive positive changes to others affected by brain tumours. I am so excited to be a Young Ambassador fir The Brain Tumour Charity and am looking forward to connecting with others who have relatable experiences and raising awareness to hopefully lead to a brighter future for people affected by brain tumours.”
“I applied to become a Young Ambassador because I want to have a positive impact The Brain Tumour Charity and those in need of support. Awareness and research for brain tumours are urgently needed, so I am grateful for the opportunity of helping the mission of the charity.”
“I wanted to become a Young Ambassador because I know that having someone to talk to who has experience when you’re struggling with a tumour diagnosis is one of the most reassuring ways to deal with it. I’m really looking forward to meeting other people like me as I think this would also be a very healing experience for me.”
“I wanted to become a Young Ambassador because brain tumour awareness is still too low and I want to do my part to increase it.”Evanne was a valued member of our Young Ambassador 24-26 cohort, and sadly died in April 2025. Evanne was an incredibly kind and creative women who drove forward change since she was diagnosed 6 and a half years ago. She was specifically passionate about highlighting the impact of having a delayed diagnosis and the lack of support that was offered for young adults – to the point she set up peer support groups at her university. Evanne was a wonderful person, and her memory and space in the Young Ambassador Programme will be remembered.
“I want to become a Young Ambassador because in 2022 my boyfriend was diagnosed with a brain tumour and I found it really lonely being in the position of a girlfriend/carer. I would like to help raise awareness for the effects which brain tumours can have on not only the person themselves but the friends and family around them.”
“In 2021, my younger brother was diagnosed with DLGNT, a rare form of paediatric cancer. Since his diagnosis, I’ve been looking for a way to make a meaningful impact and the Young Ambassador position was the perfect opportunity! I’m looking forward to working within such a inspiring community, raising awareness and learning how better to support others like my brother and myself.”
“I wanted to become a Young Ambassador for a number of reasons. When I was 6, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and so I am very familiar with what it means to go through major surgery and a long rehabilitation. I received lots of help from lots of people and organisation and I think my story would be useful to others. I hope that my experience of life with a brain injury through school, coping with exams and moving into work again might be useful to others facing similar challenges, and I’d like to pass that on.”
“Having been diagnosed on January 2022 and still fighting brain cancer, I want nothing more than to support others and help in any way I can as spreading positivity and care means so much to me. To meet new people around that same age with different stories will be so good also! I am really looking forward to meeting new people to share stories and provide support. Also to work with others on raising awareness is really important to me. Basically meeting new people and helping people!”Harry was a valued member of our Young Ambassador 24-26 cohort, and sadly died in November 2024. Harry was an unforgettable young man. He would light up any room he was in with his friendly smile, positive outlook, quick wit, cheeky personality, and immeasurable amount of kindness. Harry did so much for the Charity over the years, holding many fundraising events including Big Bakes, racing nights and 00’s music nights raising thousands of pounds. He also bravely shared his story, encouraging people to have their eyes tested as part of National Eye Health Awareness week. Not stopping there, he also hit the streets delivering Better Safe Than Tumour leaflets to his community. Harry was a incredible person, and his memory and space in the Young Ambassador Programme will be remembered.
“As a young person with a brain tumour, I want to spread awareness about this issue and advocate for better medical and mental health awareness for people with brain tumours, and people who know someone with a brain tumour. Having struggled to find resources myself, The Brain Tumour Charity has played an important role in my journey, and I hope to be a part of the incredible effort towards change.”
“Following my own diagnosis, I took on the challenge to help the charities and people who’ve helped me recover and find my new normal! So now being a YA, I want to make as much of a positive change as I can, helping people who may be recently diagnosed, or connecting with people who have already been affected by a brain tumour diagnosis to help make a difference.”
“I wanted to become a young ambassador because I am very fortunate to live well with a brain tumour and use that privilege to do my part in raising awareness and making a change for others with brain tumours.I’m most looking forward to connecting with like-minded people. This is a very isolating position and since my diagnosis, I’ve felt quite ostracised from society, but the brain tumour charity has already given me so many new friendships.”
“I wanted to become a Young Ambassador after experiencing the passing of my father in 2017 from Glioblastoma Multiforme. Now, having had time to process and reflect, I feel ready to channel my energy into making a meaningful impact to.What I am most eager about in joining the programme is collaborating with like-minded individuals. I look forward to building connections and working together to raise awareness about brain tumours, a cause that holds significant importance to me.”
“I really wanted to be a part of a charity that I had previously raised money for back in 2017. The chance to become a young ambassador was opportunity for me to share my personal experiences and continue to support the amazing work the charity does. I wanted to use the tough experience of losing my old man to a Brain Tumour as a positive driver.”
“I wanted to become a young ambassador to make friends that have similar experiences as me. Also to help my community in learning to live with and accept a brain tumour diagnosis whether it be for them or a loved one. I’m just genuinely excited to meet everyone within the charity and help out in any way in can.”
“I want to be a young ambassador to try and give back to charity that has given so much to me and hopefully to help and support other young people in similar situations.I hope by being an ambassador that I can help and inspire others. I have had a long journey on this brain tumour road and if I can support someone along their journey then that’s a good thing. “
“From my own experiences receiving a brain tumour diagnosis at the age of 10, losing half of my vision, and dealing with subsequent severe mental health, I truly understand how isolating and traumatic this illness can be. I am so excited to become an ambassador for this amazing cause, and I am really looking forward to getting involved with different events and projects, and being able to engage with and encourage other young people going through similar experiences.”
What do you get up to:
Speak up for young people affected by brain tumours
Help shape projects and decisions across the charity
Team up with experts to improve care and research
As well as supporting other teenagers and young adults affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, their ideas and input have been vital in shaping our Young Adult Service, and in developing our resources.
Our Young Ambassadors not only play an important role in our work, but they also gain the opportunity to learn and develop new skills (such as public speaking or social media promotion). They are also able to meet and socialise with others their own age, who have been through similar experiences.
The Quality of Life award is an award which funds research for those living with a low grade diagnosis. Those affected by this type of diagnosis often experience changes to physical, emotional and cognitive health which can impact their life negatively. This award aims to improve rehabilitation.
Young Ambassadors have had the opportunity to attend a sandpit event to help guide researchers with their projects.
Emma attending a drop in session during Brain Tumour Awareness Month.
Connor attended The Scottish Parliament and Mol lobbies The Welsh Government for support.
Owen’s work with his local MP led to a round table to with key stakeholders to discuss challenges in regards to the development and delivery of innovation of treatment.
Coming together at in-person events like the Young Ambassador Big Weekend offers young adults a powerful opportunity to build meaningful connections with others who share similar experiences.
Completing lay summary reviews and attending focus groups
One of our Young Ambassadors (Emma H) is studying for her PhD. This is focused on characterising the biological properties of glioma-derived cfDNA. These could be used as liquid biopsy biomarkers to help detect, diagnose and monitor gliomas.
“Being a Young Ambassador means so many things. Not only does it collectively make a difference, but it means making friends and building a community that stretches beyond the programme.” – Mel, Young Ambassador
“For me, The Young Ambassador Programme has been incredible. After feeling so isolated by my diagnosis I have found a group of friends and an unwavering support network.” – Connor, Young Ambassador
Raising Awareness Through Media and Sharing Stories
The Young Ambassadors help us to raise awareness of brain tumours and The Charity itself through the media.
Examples of current Young Ambassadors raising awareness:
The Young Ambassadors can support The Charity by attending fundraisers, or by organising their own. The current cohort have organised and completed fundraisers of all kinds including: bake sales, skydiving, pub quizzes, head shaves, coffee mornings, marathons and much more! As of September 2025 they have raised £64,665. Visit their Just Giving page here.
The Young Ambassador Programme provides an opportunity for the Young Ambassadors to gain a better insight into The Charity itself, to contribute ideas, and to learn new skills.
The Charity have run upskilling sessions on:
Blog and CV writing
Interview practice
Public speaking
Leadership
Media training
Young Ambassadors through the years
2013-20152016-20182018-20202021-20232024-Present
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for such an amazing weekend in Liverpool. Being a Young Ambassador has literally saved my life, and I cherish it so much when I get to spend time with the other YAMs. I don’t know where I would be without this programme, and I just wanted to say thank you to the whole charity for all the work you put into the Young Ambassador programme. You’ve created such an inclusive and friendly environment, and I am forever thankful that you picked me to be a part of this amazing community 🙂 <3”
Lucy Swatton, Young Ambassador
FAQs
Of course! We also welcome young adults who have been affected by a close family member’s diagnosis to share their experiences as a Young Ambassador.
As a Young Ambassador, your job is to advocate on behalf of The Charity and create change around the issues that are important to you. This could be getting involved with our campaigning and policy work, raising awareness on social media, or meeting others at events. You’ll be asked to volunteer at Young Adult Events and Family Days, which are fun days out for other members of our community.
Some of the other ways you can support our work is by helping us develop resources for our community, giving your feedback on important issues, and supporting the staff team in their work – like going along to a bid for charity of the year at a local business.
You’ll have the chance to take on your own fundraising challenges if you want to, as well as supporting other local fundraisers with their events and attend cheque collections on behalf of The Charity. You can also share your story and help promote the work of The Charity.
Yes! You’ll receive a charity induction so you’re in the know about all things The Brain Tumour Charity, and meet some of the staff you’ll be working closely with. We will also deliver relevant training sessions to help you develop new skills over the next two years, supporting you to feel confident in different situations. Some of the training we’ve held previously includes; public speaking, handling difficult conversations and digital skills.
We also offer other useful training through skills workshops.
There is a minimum requirement of some charity events throughout the two years, including the training sessions, but everything else is up to you to manage.
We hold monthly meetings for an hour we’d really encourage you to attend as much as possible. These are a great chance to check in with your fellow young ambassadors and hear about upcoming opportunities. This is roughly 3 hours per month.
There are lots of things you can do to help The Charity that won’t take much time at all – like completing surveys, or recording a thank you video to a corporate partner or fundraiser.
You’ll be invited to two training sessions a year which it’s important you attend – these are the best chance to meet with the other Young Ambassadors socially, as well as receiving training and updates from The Charity. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend other charity lead events which your fellow Young Ambassadors may also attend. Eg. Twilight Walk
There are monthly virtual meet ups to discuss how you are getting on, receive updates from the organisation and know the upcoming opportunities. These are followed up with a monthly email.
Finally we have our Volunteering system Volunteero, which is an app to share opportunities with you quickly and easily as soon as they become available. You’ll also share a group chat here to keep in touch with each other.
Absolutely. We don’t want there to be anything stopping you from attending an event or training session, and want you to get the most out of it. If you need someone there to support you it’s fine for them to join you. We will have a chat about what this looks like and if there is anything we can do to help you either independently or with another person.
We want the role to be accessible to all and are able to support with travel arrangements if you do suffer from travel anxiety. This would involve us supporting booking your travel, showing you how to arrange travel assistance if needed and ensuring you are comfortable with your route beforehand. We will also try to link you with other Young Ambassadors who travel in a similar direction for support.
We don’t want this to be a barrier to you volunteering and do not expect you to pay for expenses occurred when supporting the charity. We cover travel expenses, hotel expense if needed and a food budget for the day. Read more at our expenses policy.
Being a Young Ambassador is a two year role, and at the end of this two years you’ll be offered the chance to be a Young Ambassador Champion to the next group of Ambassadors. The Champion role lasts for one year. After this, or if you chose not to become a Champion, you can still be involved in our work through various volunteering and campaigning opportunities through our Involvement network. Alternatively you can volunteer within your community with our Community Fundraisers support.
You can apply by completing the online application form through volunteero. You’ll also need to record a short video telling us a little bit about yourself and why you’d like to be a Young Ambassador.
The largest video size that can be uploaded through volunteero is 5MB. If your video is bigger than this please use Wetransfer and email [email protected].
If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Involvement team. Involvement team – [email protected]
“I’ve definitely made some friends for life…we share a bond, not only through our shared experiences, but also through the memories that we’ve created as Young Ambassadors. It’s been a truly special experience for me.”
Dr Clare Jacobson, a Specialist Clinical Psychologist at a London hospital's Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service, explains what her role involves and shares some practical tips anyone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis can use to support their mental health.
