Why choose us?
We’re doing more for a cure
- At least 88,000 children and adults are estimated to be living with a brain tumour in the UK currently.
- By launching our HeadSmart campaign – which has since evolved into Better Safe Than Tumour – we helped reduce the average childhood diagnosis time from 13 to 6.5 weeks.
- Over £60m funds committed to research into brain tumours since 2015.
Brain tumours do not discriminate and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly.
High grade brain tumours are different to other cancers. And this means that The Brain Tumour Charity has to work differently too.
We must move further, faster to find a cure.
Here to help everyone
By focusing on the three key areas – research, campaigning and support – we’re the only charity to help everyone affected by brain tumours.
We’re the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Since 2015, we’ve committed more than £60m to forward-thinking, outcomes-orientated and patient-focused research. We know that a cure can’t wait. That’s why we’re committed to bringing about global collaboration to speed up the time it takes to turn discoveries into treatments and cures.
We fund only the very best, world-class research. Our 30 years of experience means that we are the leaders in our field. We have knowledge and expertise to successfully select the research that has the biggest potential to make a difference and we can evidence the impact of our funding to date. Many projects we have funded have already had a direct impact on patients and many more have the potential to influence treatment and prognosis imminently.
We’re committed to actions, not words. We want change. And we want it now. To help accelerate this, we’re working passionately to influence decision makers on issues that are important to our community and to raise vital awareness. And we’re making progress.
By introducing our HeadSmart campaign – our multi-award-winning, UK-wide symptom awareness campaign – we helped to reduce average childhood diagnosis times from 13 to 6.5 weeks.
HeadSmart has since evolved into Better Safe Than Tumour and now focuses on symptoms in adults too. Since launching in 2022, our new symptom checker has been used by 137,000 people to provide age-specific guidance, as well as resources for healthcare professionals.
We’ve also been proud to play a key role in making sure 5-ALA – the ‘pink drink’ that makes brain tumour cells more easily visible to surgeons – was rolled out to everyone who would benefit from it.
We believe that everyone affected by a brain tumour should have quick and easy access to the right information and support for them. With a range of specialised services available including our Support and Information Line, Benefits and Money Clinic, free professional counselling service, Family Days, Children and Families Service, Young Adult Service and wide range of Online Brain Tumour Support Groups, we have a service tailored to meet the needs of everyone affected by a brain tumour.
Our resources provide an invaluable lifeline to thousands of people every year and we are constantly exploring ways to expand them further.
Working collaboratively
We know that only by working together can we find a cure faster. That’s why we’re proud to connect the most prestigious researchers, collaborate with the most respected organisations and build the most passionate communities around the globe. We value everyone’s contribution. We’ve previously joined forces with other like-minded organisations such as Cancer Research UK, Worldwide Cancer Research and Marie Curie to accelerate progress in how we fight brain tumours. We understand that our goals are ambitious. But by joining together, we know that we can reach them faster.
Transparent at every step
We aim to spend at least 80p of every £1 spent on our charitable objectives, making us an extremely efficient and cost-effective charity. We pride ourselves on our honesty and transparency. We track every penny we receive and use rigorous peer review to ensure that we are investing it into the most valuable research projects.
As members of the Fundraising Regulator’s self-regulatory scheme you can give to us with confidence, knowing that we comply with its principles.
Detailed spending information is available in our current annual report and accounts.
Leading vital progress
We’re not afraid to be a leader in our field. Whilst survival has doubled across all cancers, changes in survival rates for adults with a brain tumour have improved little compared with other cancers in over 40 years.
Now is not the time to be timid if we want to change this shocking position.
That’s why we’re not afraid to be pioneering, systematic, risk taking and courageous in our approach to changing outcomes. And our efforts are paying off.
Through our innovative approach towards research into brain tumours and the support services we offer, we’re making crucial headway towards a better life for everyone affected by a brain tumour. But we know that there is much more to do.
- We have to further our understanding of brain tumours and improve the treatments available.
- We need to help all those affected by brain tumours to live longer, better lives.
- We must defeat brain tumours and brain cancer for good.
We rely 100% on voluntary donations so we can only achieve our goals with your support. Whatever you choose to do, fundraising, donating, volunteering or raising awareness, thank you.