The Nia Lane Fund

Nia's story

Nia was aged 37 when she was diagnosed with a Frontal Lobe Grade 2 Astrocytoma Brain Tumour following a series of seizures. She underwent surgery at the Walton Centre for Neurology to remove the tumour and recovered extremely well apart from an infection in the bone flap and this part of her skull was removed. She was offered a follow up operation to replace this bone however she refused because of her dislike of hospital stays!

She returned to teaching and we hoped the worst was over, however within a year the tumour had returned. Following further scans and biopsies the tumour surprised doctors as it seemed to have remained a grade 2 but was behaving very aggressively. Due to the location of the tumour further surgery was no longer an option and for six years Nia had months of radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Clatterbridge. The tumour progressed and unfortunately, in February 2012, we were given the devastating news that, medically there was no more to be offered and Nia died at home, with her family by her side on Friday evening March 30th 2012. She was 44 and a much loved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many.

Nia was a dedicated, successful primary school teacher and when her illness forced her to leave her career, she regularly volunteered at the local school. Nia was the second person from the village to die from a brain tumour within a few years and the loss in the small community was deeply felt.

The Nia Lane Memorial Fund was begun in Nia's memory in 2014 after family and friends decided to come together to mark Nia's life on her birthday, August 26th and turn a difficult day into a positive one, raising money for the Brain Tumour Charity by organising a memory walk, cake stalls and quizzes. Our hope is that the money we raise in Nia's memory will help find a cure for this cruel devastating disease which took our Nia from our lives.

Nia loved the simple life and lived for her family. She was married to Steff and had three children Daniel, Anest and Elin. She faced her illness with dignity and bravery and she would be extremely proud of their dignity and bravery since losing their mum. Nia also had a very healthy sense of humour and when in her company laughter was always on the menu, as well as a teacake, her favourite. Her children have also inherited a similar sense of humour which is fortunate or unfortunate for those around them!

Mam