Angela, digital account manager for award-winning agency Orange Bus, was nominated by her firm for her tireless fundraising and advocacy work for The Charity. She does all of this in her own time, as well as writing her inspirational Brain Tumour Warrior blog.
“It was an honour to win last night! The two others shortlisted were incredible and have raised thousands for their chosen charities with some fantastic feats, so it was a privilege to be shortlisted alongside them.
“I’m so proud to stand alongside The Brain Tumour Charity in accepting this award, in the topics and issues we cover on my blog we form quite the team and it’s incredible to know that our joint mission of reaching those who might need to engage with us is being successful.
“Working in digital technology in my day job, I’m so excited that the power of tech for social good was recognised at last night’s awards.
“I’d also like to thank the incredible neurological team at Newcastle’s RVI – this award is a testament to the great work they do.”
Watch Angela being announced as Individual Charity Supporter of the Year.
“I’m so proud to stand alongside The Brain Tumour Charity in accepting this award. It’s incredible to know that our joint mission of reaching those who might need to engage with us is being successful.”
Angela was diagnosed with a low grade brain tumour in 2010, while she was in her final year of University.
Last year her brain tumour began to grow. Angela now reached a point where major surgery to reach and ‘debulk’ the tumour – situated in the centre of her brain – became the most viable option.
In December 2015, aged 26, Angela underwent a craniotomy to remove as much of the tumour as possible.
“Recovery from my surgery was tough,” explains Angela. “My balance was severely affected and I had to battle chronic fatigue.”
Since 1 January this year, Angela has been documenting her diagnosis, treatment and continued battle while living with a brain tumour on her blog, Brain Tumour Warrior, to tell her story and help others facing a brain tumour in all corners of the world.
The Brain Tumour Warrior blog has seen 27,000 views from over 18,000 visitors. Traffic, comments and questions are regularly from countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, France and Germany.
“I use the blog to talk about the psychological and day-to-day aspects of life with a brain tumour, including talking about my experiences being misdiagnosed with bulimia.
“Working closely with the digital team at The Brain Tumour Charity means that the charity can use the blog’s posts as a point for discussion; encouraging brain tumour patients around the country to open up about their own experiences and seek help if needed.”
Angela has also lobbied the government to campaign for increased funding into brain tumour research, including meeting with Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery, working on a guest blog with Hexham MP and brain tumour patient Guy Opperman, and having campaigning blog posts recognised and tweeted by the Government’s Petitions Committee and the Minister for Life Sciences, George Freeman.
Next year has high aims to raise at least £10,000 by the end of 2017 after setting up The Brain Tumour Warrior Fund within The Brain Tumour Charity.