We are Sarah McVey, Helen Norman and Tony Brown and we have set up The Brains Unite Fund as a result of losing our respective loved ones Jim, John and Pam in 2011.
Jim, John and Pam were each diagnosed with a GMB4 within weeks of each other in the early part of 2010, and all three were given almost identical timetables for their radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment. Our paths had never crossed before but, as a result of this horrible situation we found ourselves in, we all became friends very early on.
Jim, John and Pam were able to support each other whilst they were going through their treatments, they swapped notes about symptoms and how they were feeling and generally helped each other through the progression of their illnesses by talking and listening to each other. It wasn’t all doom and gloom – because each of them had a great sense of humour, more often than not we were all sat laughing in the waiting room at the hospital and it was rare to hear any of them moaning about their situation. They were extremely brave and courageous individuals.
Sadly, Jim, John and Pam lost their battle against this awful disease within six weeks of each other in April/May 2011 – just a year after their diagnosis. Since their passing, the three of us left behind have become firm friends and we continue to support each other in our struggle to come to terms with our loss. However, like Jim, John and Pam we also try to have a laugh when we meet up because they wouldn’t want us to be sad.
We are determined that our loved ones’ deaths are not in vain and we will do whatever we can to help others in a similar situation. We therefore intend to raise as much money and awareness as we can for The Brain Tumour Charity through our Brains Unite Fund and will do whatever weird and wonderful things we can to achieve that.
To get in touch with Brains Unite, please email them or visit their website.