As Brain Tumour Awareness Month draws to a close, we want to say a huge thank you to every fundraiser, volunteer, researcher, campaigner and supporter who got involved this March, and who has contributed to the last thirty years of progress!
We also wanted to reflect on what thirty years of progress truly looks like by inviting members of our community to share something, or someone, they are thankful for in connection with The Charity.
Together, these stories show the real impact of progress, and the importance – and power – of a community determined to drive change.
Naomi on sharing her voice
“It felt like my voice really mattered… Something positive could come through such a rubbish experience.”
Naomi
Naomi joined us at an event last year as a community voice representative. In her video, below, she speaks about experiencing the long‑term effects of treatment and feeling disconnected from who she used to be – until she stepped into a room filled with people who listened and understood.
Neil on finding connection and purpose through Involvement
For Neil, discovering our Involvement Network was a turning point. He became an Involvement Champion in 2021, contributing to research priorities, services, campaigns and more:
“I’d like to thank The Charity for developing the incredible Involvement Network. Creating, encouraging and nurturing the community to collaborate with each other and directly shape and support The Charity’s activities has been such a positive experience for me.
“Surviving a brain tumour changes everything. I’m very aware that I’m one of the lucky few, and that sense of perspective became a catalyst for me to get involved with The Brain Tumour Charity.
“I’ve been able to help shape The Charity’s activities and strategy, ensuring that decisions are informed by real experiences, not assumptions.
“The people in our community demonstrate incredible courage, strength and resilience on a daily basis. It has been an absolute privilege to have had the opportunity to work with and get to know some of them and none of that would have been possible without The Charity.”
Andy on the conversations that help people feel less alone
“It amazes me continually just how wonderful people are… Some of the stories are gut‑wrenching, heart‑wrenching and uplifting.”
In his video, below, Andy, a long‑time member of our community and regular contributor to our Let’s Talk About Brain Tumours podcast, speaks of his appreciation for the conversations that help people feel less alone, having seen first‑hand how sharing stories can change the way people understand and live through a diagnosis.
Kasey on finding support – and a true friend
When Kasey’s mum was diagnosed, she found herself in a world that felt overwhelming and frightening. One of the first people she spoke to at The Charity was Liam, a member of our Community Fundraising team. Over time, through events, fundraising efforts and countless cups of tea, Liam became not only a source of support but a true friend.
“From those early days, Liam has been a constant presence: steady, kind and human. Liam has never treated this work as just a role. That has mattered more than I can ever fully put into words. In moments when grief felt heavy, or when fundraising felt daunting, Liam showed up with empathy, encouragement and humour, and made space for me to be exactly where I was.
Liam has walked alongside me through some of the hardest chapters of my life (and literally at Twilight Walks), while also celebrating the moments of hope, impact and progress that have come from turning pain into purpose.
Thank you, Liam, for your kindness, your consistency and your friendship. It truly means more than you know.”
Mark on honouring loved ones
After his partner Cecilia died from a brain tumour in 2023, Mark found himself searching for meaning in the darkness that followed. Seeing The Charity featured on BBC Breakfast led him to reach out and eventually to become an Involvement Champion.
“I became an Involvement Champion to bring meaning to Cecilia’s cruel and untimely death. We use our lived experience to help shape The Charity’s future direction and improve outcomes for everyone affected. Despite the heartbreaking reasons that brought us together, we offer each other understanding, support and compassion. We simply get it.
Knowing that life after a brain tumour diagnosis is possible has helped me through my grief and restored my sense of hope. The kindness of this community has shown me light in the darkest moments, and it’s why I continue to support and represent The Brain Tumour Charity. Thank you for giving me hope.”
And we’re not done yet
This month, we’ve celebrated the progress made possible by people like Naomi, Neil, Andy, Kasey and Mark. Their stories reflect the journey of the last three decades:
- From a charity founded at a kitchen table to a leader of research into brain tumours.
- From 13‑week to 6.5-week childhood diagnosis times.
- From scarce support to a life‑changing, UK-wide information and support network.
And crucially, we’re not done yet! As we accelerate towards breakthroughs in research, continue improving support and push for faster, kinder diagnosis and treatment, it’s your voices and your experiences that guide the way.
Thirty years of progress has shown what’s possible when a community stands together, and with you beside us, the next thirty will take us even further, faster. Thank you!
Want to get involved?
Feeling inspired by what you’ve read? By joining our Involvement Network, you can use your personal experiences to help us shape the future of The Charity, the services we provide and the research we fund.