Let's Talk About Brain Tumours

Episode 71 - Fundraiser Oliver's super surprise

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Andy and Jo interview our youngest guest on the pod so far: nine-year-old Oliver Smith.

Oliver, a keen triathlete, set out to raise funds for The Brain Tumour Charity in January 2026 by running the equivalent of nine marathons in four months.

Little did he know then that this would lead to him running with his local MPs, meeting Joe Wicks, completing London's Mini Marathon, being interviewed on TV, going to a film premiere AND meeting his film idols.

On 30 July he was treated to The One Show's 'One Big Thank You'. This episode is his backstory.

You can read his story on our website here and visit his fundraising page here.

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 70 - Mental health support

Thu, 28 May 2026 13:00:00 +0100

Coping with a brain tumour diagnosis brings huge challenges - from the shock of diagnosis to the anxiety of waiting for scan or test results, to relationships issues, physical changes and financial pressures.

These can be especially overwhelming for teenagers and young adults who are already navigating their education and growing independence. That’s where people today's guest comes in. Dr Clare Jacobson is a Specialist Clinical Psychologist in a Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service. Using imagery and analogies, she shares some practical tips that she uses, and that has learned from those in therapy, that we can all put into practice to support our mental health.

You can follow Clare on Instagram here

And see some of her video tips on our website here.

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 69 - Why we're running The London Marathon

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0100

A marathon episode for marathon reasons! 136 people are taking part in the TCS London Marathon 2026 to raise funds for The Brain Tumour Charity.

We are hugely grateful to every single one of them - but couldn't possibly interview them all. So, some of our Involvement Champions chatted to some of our runners to find out their reasons for running - and we've edited excerpts from those conversations to create this inspiring listen.

TW: Bereavement and loss discussed.

We hope it does them justice - and maybe some runners will listen to this very episode as they run round.

You can read a feature about some of this year's runners on our website by clicking here and find out about how to register for the 2027 event here.

Good luck to everyone taking part and to all their supporters cheering them on too!

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 68 - Clinical Trials

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0100

If you or a loved one have spent - or are planning to spend - hours searching online for treatment options or clinical studies into potential new brain tumour therapies, this episode is for you. If you're a scientist aiming to recruit people to a study, it's also for you.

Professor Susan Short explains how her brainchild Access to Clinical Trials for Brain Tumours (ACT-BT) aims to lift the burden off the individual and speed up access to clinical trials for adult brain tumour patients.

ACT-BT is a pilot project funded by The Brain Tumour Charity with patient involvement overseen by brainstrust. It also aims to collect valuable data to inform and ensure progress for this community.

Find out more here: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/news/research-news/access-to-brain-tumour-clinical-trials/

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 67 - Tumour Humour with Miles Jupp

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Serious illness is a serious business. That’s why so many of us are determined to raise awareness of the urgent need to fund research to find more effective treatments, and for every patient – no matter where they live – to have access to the best possible care.

But people have told us that, in some circumstances, trying to find something to laugh about in a situation – usually dark humour – can have its place as a coping mechanism.

The podcasts The Dead Sibling Society and The GlioBabes, and books like 'Pear-Shaped' by Adam Blain, and 'A Heart That Works' by actor Rob Delaney all feature a sprinkling of funniness amid the rage and despair. There's even a Comedy Cures Foundation.

We discuss this with our supporter, the actor and comedian Miles Jupp. He explains how putting his meningioma diagnosis in the spotlight during his stand up tour helped both him and others. And podcast co-host Andy says he wishes he'd heard an episode like this when he was first navigating the same diagnosis.

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 66 - The Rare Cancers Act 2026

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

We're delighted to be joined by Dr Scott Arthur MP for this special episode. Dr Arthur put forward a Private Members' Bill for rare cancers and on Thursday 5th March 2026, it went onto the statute books - becoming the Rare Cancers Act.

Listen in to find out more about what motivated a very new MP to get behind this particular cause; how 40 different organisations collaborated to make it a reality - though fate played a part; what happens next and how weekly runs and volunteering aide Scott's wellbeing.

You can read more about the background to the Rare Cancers Bill here.

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Bitesize Episode 2 - Dr Tyler Miller

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Dr Tyler Miller was one of our Future Leaders. Now a Junior Fellow, he manages a team of 12 at his own lab.

Here he explains how this team is trying to figure out how to prevent our own immune cells from suppressing our immune system. Instead, he aims to turn part of a brain tumour's immune system - myeloid cells - into an effective army of immune agents that can both kill tumour cells and attract new recruits, like the T-cells Mat mentioned, to target the tumour.

You can read more about this here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Bitesize Episode 1 - Meet researcher Dr Mat Clement

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Welcome to a new series of very short episodes of The Brain Tumour Charity podcast in which you’ll get to know key people in the brain tumour community.

The first part of the series is called Meet The Researcher and it's based on a webinar we hosted in 2025 that was all about immunology.

We’re kicking it off by introducing you to someone who’s trying to figure out how our body’s natural defence mechanisms can help fight the aggressive brain tumour glioblastoma.

You can find out more about our Future Leaders programme and Dr Mat Clement's work here. We wish him the best of luck with the incredible work he's doing.

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 65 part two - The cost of a brain tumour diagnosis

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

At a reception in Westminster on 15th December, The Brain Tumour Charity released its report into the cost of a brain tumour diagnosis. The report makes the economic case for a National Brain Tumour Strategy to minimise these costs - both to the individual and to society. We unpick this report with Marcus Loney-Evans, Head of Policy and Campaigns at The Charity.

You can read the full report here.

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 65 part one - The cost of a brain tumour diagnosis

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:00:00 +0000

The Brain Tumour Charity has released its report into the staggering cost of a brain tumour diagnosis to the UK economy. The report makes the economic case for a National Brain Tumour Strategy to minimise these costs - both to the individual and to society.

In part one of this episode, Anna unpicks some of the report's findings with Kimberley, who's living with a brain tumour diagnosis and Rhiannon, who's caring for her son following his ill-health. They discuss the impact on their own finances.

In part two, Chandos interviews Marcus - Head of Policy and Campaigns at The Charity - to dig deeper into the report's finding's.

To find out more, you can download a copy of the report on the charity's website.

Thank you for listening.

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 64 - Michele's milestone: two years as CEO

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0100

Hosts Anna and Andy mark two years since Dr Michele Afif became Chief Executive at The Brain Tumour Charity by asking about her early life, her previous careers in medicine and law - and a few more questions that we crowdsourced from our listeners.

In response, Michele explains how she's focused The Charity on turning its co-created strategy into a 'strategy in action'. She's honed in on what it needs to deliver, what evidence backs that up and how it can deliver truly transformative results.

She describes it as asking the question: "How do we push one or two big boulders up the same hill rather than hundreds of boulders up hundreds of hills?"

Michele also talks about her proudest moments, her biggest challenge, The Charity's imminent plans and the advice she'd give her younger self.

And if you have any questions for Michele or The Charity, you can email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 63 - Getting involved

Thu, 22 May 2025 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we'll hear from four of our much-valued Involvement Champions : Rebecca, Oriana, Claire and Mark.

We recorded their presentations to the whole organisation as they explained why they wanted to become key voices in the brain tumour community. (Trigger warning, they talk about diagnosis and mental health issues, and their stories are very moving.)

Then our host Anna Blyszko - a former Young Ambassador herself - quizzes The Brain Tumour Charity’s Involvement Manager, Rachel Roberts, about what exactly our Involvement Network aims to achieve and why we've launched a new initiative called The Listening Project.

If you're interested in becoming an Involvement Champion, recruitment for the next cohort begins in late summer 2025. You can find out more here.

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 62 - Fantastic Fundraising

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:00:00 +0100

After weeks of toil and training, The TCS London Marathon 2025 is just around the corner and The Brain Tumour Charity has 145 runners taking part this year - more than ever before!

Our Involvement Champion Imelda Turnock speaks to two of them - Barbara Prodger and David Barrow - about their reasons for running.

But first, Andy Tudor gets some insider tips from our man at JustGiving.

Sam Gurry delves into the data to explain how anyone taking part in a charity challenge can maximise their fundraising. From personalising your story to the optimum number of times to post about your challenge on social media, to gamifying fundraising and incentivising donors - we get the low down.

If listening to this sparks an interest in taking part in one of our events, you can find them all listed here.

Hosts: Andy Tudor and Imelda Turnock.

Audio editors: Jo Porter and Elliot Broad

Producer: Jo Porter

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 61 - The Power of Friendship

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Our focus in this episode is on friendships and close bonds. How does a brain tumour diagnosis affect our loved ones and who can we turn to for support or advice when we don’t want to worry or upset those closest to us?

To answer that question, Andy Tudor talks to five women who were all treated at the same hospital for the same meningioma diagnosis but who only met through one of The Brain Tumour Charity’s online peer support groups. They describe that group as "invaluable", "a lifeline" and as "each other's aftercare."

What's more, four of them have teamed up to take on The Twilight Walk together on 22 March - roping in some of their relatives too! Their efforts will mean The Charity can continue to fund things like our support services as well as much needed research into brain tumours. This is the Brighton Brain Aches fundraising page.

We'd also like to the thank the Puzzle Bored Cafe in Brighton for allowing us to record this episode in their Quiet Room.

Audio Editor: Elliot Broad

Producer: Jo Porter

Contact: podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 60 - Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Week

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +0000

A warm welcome to Let's Talk About Brain Tumours!

After a break since the summer, we're back to bring you interesting and informative conversations with members of the brain tumour community and at The Brain Tumour Charity.

A new production team is now at the helm, so bear with us while we learn the ropes of podcast production. But we're delighted that our volunteer co-hosts remain unchanged: Anna Blyszko, Chandos Green and Andy Tudor.

"On the cusp of change...!" today, Anna and Chandos quiz Anna Jewell and Cameron Miller about how the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce was set up, what it's achieved and what its latest campaign is about. Then, Andy meets Frankie Davies whose mum Sue's story throws that campaign into sharp relief.

Many thanks to all our guests for taking part in this recording.

Further information

Frankie mentions online support groups and you can find out about these here
To find out more about the campaign go here or search the hashtags #LessSurvivableCancersAwarenessWeek #CloseTheDeadlyCancerGap on social media
If you have any questions about this episode or want to find out more about this podcast, you can email the team at: podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Producer: Jo Porter
Audio editor: Elliot Broad

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 59 - Spotlight on Women in Neuroscience

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Anna talks to Anna Solth and Victoria Wyes about their experiences of being neurosurgeons and women in the field of neuroscience. They share their passion for neuroscience, discuss the work they are doing now and their plans for the future.

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 58 - Hidden disabilities

Tue, 21 May 2024 09:00:00 +0100

We meet Gavin Burden and Louise Worthington who have both been diagnosed with brain tumours. Gavin has been living with his brain tumour since he was 21 - for 28 years. Gavin and Louise have been friends for a long time so when Louise was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2018 Gavin contacted her to offer support.
In the episode, they share the difficulties of living with hidden disabilities as Gavin has since lost 75% of his vision.

Despite these challenges, they have decided to celebrate Gavin turning 50 by taking on a 25km challenge! You can find out more about Gavin and Louise here
If you want to get involved in their challenge you can email them at: Loungav25kwalk@gmail.com

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 57 - Spolight on Mental Health Support

Tue, 07 May 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Today, Chandos talks to Support Manager Beth Ryall, about the support available at The Brain Tumour Charity for people who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health following a brain tumour diagnosis.

You can find out more about this here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 56 - Rehabilitation for those with brain tumours

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Anya Jones and Kaz Melvin about their experiences of rehabilitation. Anya needed extensive rehabilitation after her diagnosis and treatment while Kaz has both personal and professional experience of brain tumours and rehab. She is a physiotherapist and she supported her sister Ria who sadly died from a glioblastoma in 2021.

Anya and Kaz have worked with The Charity to create some resources to help people understand the sort of rehab that's available and how it can help them. You can find out more here

If you would like to be involved in the work Kaz and Anya are doing, email involvement@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 55 - Spotlight on Research into Glioblastomas

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 09:00:00 +0100

Chandos talks to one of our Future Leaders: Dr Angel Alvarez-Prado. Angel is a highly accomplished researcher at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland where he is currently working on an innovative project to simultaneously target both cancer cells and their supporting immune microenvironment in the hope of finding more effective treatments for glioblastomas. Angel explains what his research involves and how it may help people diagnosed with glioblastoma in the future.

You can read more about Angel and his research here
Find out more about the research The Brain Tumour Charity funds here

You can contact our Research team by emailing research@thebraintumourcharity.org or phoning 01252 418190.

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 54 - Living with a rare brain tumour and Everest in the Alps

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000

When Alex - also known as the performer Syren - was diagnosed with a rare paediatric brain tumour called DLGNT at the age of 20, his family found that there were limited treatment options.

His mum, Katie, did her own research into how to best help Alex and found out about the Everest Centre. In February 2024, His dad Martin and three of his friends took on the Everest in the Alps challenge to raise £500,000 to go towards research into paediatric brain tumours.

You can follow Alex AKA Syren on Spotify here

Find out more about The Everest Centre here

Find out more about the Everest In The Alps Challenge Martin is doing here and follow Team Syren on Instagram @everestinthealpssyren

You can donate using the links below at: https://www.justgiving.com/team/Syren

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 53 - Spotlight on exercise as a form of therapy

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0000

We talk to Liam Young about how physical fitness contributed to his recovery from treatment for a brain tumour. Liam found that the traditional route of counselling wasn't for him. His perfect form of therapy was with a personal trainer.

At 25 he had never prioritised his health, but after his diagnosis Liam realised how important it was and that led to him embarking on a fitness program which he says helped him to deal with the mental and emotional trauma of his diagnosis.

To find out more about how a brain tumour diagnosis can affect your mental health and the support available, take a look at our website

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 52 - Ravi's Dream

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode we talk to Bethan and Gbenga Adelekan who's son Ravi was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was just 6 years old. Despite this Ravi, now 8 has not let this stop him from using his experience to help others and also to continue to follow his own dreams!

After his diagnosis and surgery, Ravi decided that he want to do something that would help other children like him and one day help find a way to stop any other child going through what he had gone through so with the help of his parents they created Ravi's Dream.

You can find out more about Ravi's Dream here

You can follow Ravi's story on instragram @ravis_dream

You can also find out more about our Children and Families Service on our website here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 51 - Spotlight on the Ways Ahead Research Project

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode Anna and Chandos talk to Ben Rimmer, a research assistant at Newcastle University and the work they are doing on the quality of life of people diagnosed with low grade glioma's. The Ways Ahead research project aims to understand more about the lived experience of people with low grade gliomas and how to improve their quality of life.

You can find out more about the Ways Ahead Research here

You can find out more about the research that The Brain Tumour Charity fund here:

Research into Adult Brain Tumours

Research into Childhood Brain Tumours

If you would lke to make a donation to enable us to continue to fund research into brain tumours you can find ways to donate here

You can vist our website here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 50 - Life after losing a parent - Growing and Thriving

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode Will Garrett talks about the death of his dad when he was just 11 and how this has shaped his life. Will is now a Neuro Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, a career that was shaped by his experieces as a child where he now works with other families who are impacted by brain tumours. Will shares what it was like for him as an 11 year old and how he looks back on his experiences now as an adult and a parent himself.

If you would like to talk to a member of our Children and Familes team you can call our support line on 0808 800 004 or email the team at childrenandfamilies@thebraintumourcharity.org

You can also find out more about the support available at the charity by visiting our website here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 49 - Spotlight on the Children & Families Service

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode Chandos talk with two of our Children and Families and Young Adults Workers Amy Watts and Jessie Poole about the support that is available to families who have children under 18. Some of the things mentioned in this episode include:

If you would like to know more about our Childrens and Familes Service you can find out more here

You can also contact the team by calling 0808 800 004 or emailing childrenandfamilies@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 48 - (TW) Coming to terms with change

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 08:00:00 +0100

(Trigger Warning) In this episode - Benj talks about the impact of his daughter Ivy's diagnosis and coming to terms with the changes this has brought to both Ivy and their lives as a family. He talks about the impact on mental health and the impact of trauma that parents and loved ones experiene as a result of a brain tumour diagnosis.

This episode contains conversations that some people may find distressing such as the effects of the tumour and treatment.

It's important to remember that everyone's experience is different, your experience and opinions may differ from what is discussed in this episode.

If you are affected by any of the subjects raised in the episode please do contact our support team on 0808 800 004 or email the team at support@thebraintumourcharity.org.

If you would like to know more about our counselling service you can find information here

We also offer Relationship counselling which you can find out more about here

You can email our Children and Families Team - childrenandfamilies@thebraintumourcharity.org

You can find out more information about Craniopharyngioma here.

You can find out more about our Children and Families Service here.

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 47 - Spotlight on Young Adults Masquerade Ball

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:00:00 +0100

In May this year, we hosted not only our first in-person Young Adult event since Covid but our first ever Masquerade Ball. Anna and Chandos, explain why events like this are so crucial to young people whose lives have been affected by a brain tumour diagnosis. We also hear from other young adults about the impact these events have on people like themselves who may not have the same opportunities to experience events like this as other young people.

You can find out more about our Young Adults Service here

You can also find out more about our events for young adults here

We also hold Family Days for families with children under 18 which you can find out more about here

You can also contact the support team by calling 0808 800 004 or emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 46 - (TW) 'Your child has a brain tumour'

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +0100

(Trigger Warning) In this episode - Benj talks us through every parent's worst nightmare, from the moment he and his wife Sarah were told their 4 year old daughter Ivy had a mass in her brain to where they are now as a family 18 months later.

This episode contains conversations that some people may find distressing such as the effects of the tumour and treatment.

It's important to remember that everyone's experience is different, this is Benj's experience, your experience may differ from what is discussed in this episode.

If you are affected by any of the subjects raised in the episode please do contact our support team on 0808 800 004 or email the team at support@thebraintumourcharity.org.

You can email our Children and Families Team - childrenandfamilies@thebraintumourcharity.org

You can find out more information about Craniopharyngioma here.

You can find out more about our Children and Families Service here.

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 45 - Mummy has a lump

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +0100

If you are a parent who has recieved a brain tumour diagnosis, telling your children can be one of the hardest things to do. In this episidode we talk to Simone Baldwin, the author of the book 'Mummy has a lump' which she wrote after recieving her own brain tumour diagnosis and struggled to find any resources for parents to help her explain to her young son. Simone also went on to write 'Daddy has a lump'

You can find out more about Simone here

You can find 'Mummy has a lump' here and 'Daddy has a lump' here

You can also find more information about talking to children on our website here

You can find out more about our Children and Families Service here
You can email our Children and Families Team by emailing childrenandfamilies@thebraintumourcharity.org or calling our support line on 0808 800 0004

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 44 - Spotlight on Ahead of the Game Foundation

Wed, 31 May 2023 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode Anna talks to Dave Bolton, founder of Ahead of the Game Foundation which aims to provide much needed rehabilitation services to cancer patients.
Dave talks about what led him to creating Ahead of the Game and what services they provide.

You can find out more about Ahead of the Game here

You can read more about Dave Bolton here

You can vist our website here

If you'd like to talk to a member of our support team you can call 0808 800 0004 or email support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 43 - Headaches and Brain Tumours

Tue, 09 May 2023 10:00:00 +0100

Imelda and Rebecca both experienced headaches caused by their brain tumours. They share how these symptoms were often dismissed by GPs and not taken seriously - despite also having other indications that something wasn't right and needed investigating.

They explain what the headaches were like and what made them think there was something more going on than just having bad headaches or migraines.

There's more information about the signs and symptoms of brain tumours here and information on headaches on our website here Headaches in children and Headaches in adults

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 42 - Spotlight on Family Led Partnerships

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 19:00:00 +0100

In this episode we talk to Phoebe Day our Gifts and Partnerships Manager at the charity. She explains what family led partnerships are, the different types and why they are so important to the charity. Family led partnerships are so much more than just rasing money for the charity as Phoebe explains in this episode.

If you have any questions you can email Phoebe directly byt emailing her at phoebe.day@thebraintumourcharity.org. You can also find out more about Family Led Partnerships here

You can also find out more about the Oli Hilsdon Foundation here and OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 41 - PCV Chemotherapy

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we talk to Sarah and Patrick about their experience taking the chemotherapy drug PCV. They explain what taking this chemotherapy regime is like, what side effects they experienced, dietary restrictions, hair loss, and more.

You can find out more about chemotherapy here and if you would like to speak to our support team you can email the team at support@thebraintumourcharity.org or call 0808 800 0004

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 40 - Spotlight on TIME: using art to tell stories of brain tumours

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we talk to Hannah Waldron about the TIME Art Exhibition.

The exhibition featured photographs, illustrations, paintings, scans and sculptures submitted by the community to help tell the stories of those affected by a brain tumour, as well as artwork from upcoming and renowned artists from around the globe.

The aim of the exhibition was to help raise awareness of our mission to defeat brain tumours. The exhibition was from 6th April to 15th April at The Business Design Centre, Upper Street, Islington, London N1

You can find out more about TIME here or contact the team by emailing time@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 39 - The impact of brain injuries

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Elizabeth and Julia are hosts of the podcast 'On a good day'. Here, they talk about their experiences of caring for their partners who both live with the impacts of brain injury. Elizabeth's husband Paull had a stroke when he was just 38 and Julia's husband Hector had a subarachnoid brain haemorrhage at the same age. While not caused by brain tumours, the day to day challenges they face are very similar to those experienced within the brain tumour community.

Julia and Elizabeth started their podcast to open up conversations about brain injuries have an impact on families and relationships.

You can find out more about Elizabeth and Julia on their soclal media channels:
Instagram - @onagood.day

Twitter - @onagood_day

Facebook community - On A Good Day group

On a Good Day is available to listen to now on Apple and Spotify

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 38 - Spotlight on getting benefits and money advice (UK)

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Chandos talks to Denise one of our benefits advisers. Through talking to our community we know the financial impact of a brain tumour diagnosis can be huge and cause a great deal of stress and anxiety so we partnered with Citizens Advice to provide support and information around not just benefits but a wide range financial issues. Denise explains more about the work she does at the Money and Benefits Clinic and what support you can get by booking an appointment.

Our Benefits and Money Clinic runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am - 4pm you can find out more and book an appointment here

NB: As we are a UK based charity our Benefits and Money Clinic is only available to UK residents

As always our support team are always here to support you, you can call them on 0808 800 004 or email support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 37 - Brain tumours and seizures

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Three people: Jess, Reece and Kate, discuss the impact that seizures have on their lives.

From the first sign there is something wrong to the day-to-day challenges of managing their seizures, we talk about the different types of seizures that exist and how medication can help to get these under control.

You can find out more about brain tumours and seizures on our website here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 36 - Spotlight on Involvement Champions

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Neil Munn and Donald Innes talk about their time as Involvement Champions for the charity. They share what being an Involvement Champion means, not just in terms of their role and what they have done as Involvement Champions but also what it has meant to them personally and the feeling that they have had a real say in the direction the charity is going in and seeing the work they have been doing have real, tangible results.

If you would like to find out more about our Involvement Network or would like to become an Involvement Champion you can find out more here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 35 - Coping at Christmas

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Christmas can be a difficult time for people who are caring for a loved one with a brain tumour diagnosis - whether this is your first Christmas since the illness started or you are worried this may be your last. We also know that at this time of year, some of you may be remembering a loved one you have lost.

In this episode, we share ideas and experiences on how to navigate your way through the holiday period.

There's further information for carers on our website here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 34 - Living with a Brain Tumour At Christmas

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we talk about some of the challenges of having a brain tumour over the festive season. For some of you, this might be your first Christmas since receiving your diagnosis and have mixed feelings about the impending festivities. The team share some personal experiences of how having a diagnosis has changed the way they celebrate the Christmas period and ways they've found to navigate through these.

You can read more about coping at Christmas here

You can also contact our support team on 0808 800 0004 or emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 33 - Spotlight On Our Young Ambassadors - Making Positive Changes

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Anna talks to fellow young ambassadors Rhudi and Victoria about the Young Ambassador Program which is a 2-year program tum by the charity for young people aged 18 - 25. They talk about what made them want to become ambassadors for the charity and some of the great things they have done during their first year in the program.

The Young Ambassadors play a huge role in the charity, sharing their experiences and using these experiences to not only help shape the work we do but make real and lasting changes to support the brain tumour community. We are immensely proud of our Young Ambassadors and the work they do.

If you would like to find out more about our Young Ambassador Program or our current Young Ambassadors you can find some information here.

If you are over 25 but feel inspired by Anna, Rhudi and Victoria then you may be interested in finding out more about our Involvement Network

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 32 - How to prepare for the death of a loved one

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we're joined again by Sacha Langton-Gilks to talk about how to prepare for the death of a loved one and explore what it means to give someone a good death and help them die well.

Trigger warning: In this episode, we do talk about the final stages of death and some of the physical processes that take place at the end of life.

If you found this episode difficult or would like to talk to our support team you can call 0808 800 0004 or email support@thebraintumourcharity.org

You can also find Sasha's book 'Follow the child' here

You can find out more about Compassionate Friends here

You can find out more about the support offered by Marie Curie here

You can also watch the video by Kathryn Mannix that Sacha mentioned here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 31 - Spotlight on Community Fundraising - How our community helps fund research

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Chandos talks to Community Fundraiser Firzana Khan about how our community works with the charity to raise money for vital research into better treatments and cures for brain tumours. They talk about the different ways people can raise money from cycle rides and runs to charity balls. Firzana explains the vital role our community fundraisers play in beating brain tumours.

If you would like to find out more about raising money for the charity you can find out more here

You can also contact our Community Fundraising team by emailing fundraising@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 30 - The importance of an Advance Care Plan

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0100

What is an Advance Care Plan? How do you go about creating one and why is it so important?

Sacha Langton-Gilks' son died from his brain tumour at just 16. Like most people, Sacha felt ill-prepared and ill-informed about how to prepare for the death of a loved one. The experience inspired Sacha to write the book 'Follow The Child' which is filled with practical advice about how to make sure your loved one has a good death.

The podcast is relevant whatever the age of the person with an incurable illness.

You can find Sacha's book here

You can also find information around end of life planning on our website here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 29 - Spotlight Revisited - National Eye Health Week

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0100

This episode was recorded in September 2021 but as this week is National Eye Health week we thought we'd revisit this episode where Chandos talks to Optical Engagement Manager Lorcan Butler about the importance of eye exams as these appointments can tell you much more about your overall health than just if you need to wear glasses.

Lorcan talks you through what happens at a typical appointment, what your optician looks out for and some of the health conditions, including brain tumours that can be detected during these eye exams and also what happens if something is detected when you have an eye exam.

You can find out more about how brain tumours can affect your vision on our website here https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/side-effects/sight-problems-and-brain-tumours/

If your need support with coping with sight loss you can find information on our website here https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/side-effects/sight-problems-and-brain-tumours/coping-sight-problems/

You can contact our support team by calling 0808 800 0004 or emailing Support@thebraintumourcharity.org

Find out more about National Eye Health Week by visiting Vision Matters https://www.visionmatters.org.uk/

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 28 - What exactly is Gamma Knife?

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0100

In this episode, myself and Andy talk to Katie about Gamma Knife Radiotherapy also known as Stereotactic Radiotherapy. Both Andy and Katie had this treatment when they had a recurrence of their brain tumours, they explain what the treatment entails and what it was like to undergo.

You can find out more about Gamma Knife Radiotherapy here

If you would like to talk to a member of our Support Team you can call 0808 800 0004 or email support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 27 - Spotlight on the Charity Lottery

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode Chandos talks to Tamsin Tyson our Individual Giving Officer about the recently launched charity lottery. Tamsin explains what the lottery is and why we have decided to create a lottery as a way to continue to be able to raise money for vital research into brain tumours at a time when the cost of living rises have hit charities fundraising efforts.

You can find out more about the Lottery here.

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 26 - What's it like to have a craniotomy?

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we talk to Rob, diagnosed with a grade 2 glioma, and Carly, with a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, about what it's like to have a craniotomy. Both Rob and Carly had an awake craniotomy while Andy who has a grade 2 meningioma had a craniotomy under a general anaesthetic

They share their experiences and things they found helpful.

You can find out more about craniotomies here

You can read more about Meningioma's here, oligodendroglioma here and glioma's here

If you would like to talk to a member of the support team you can call 0808 800 0004 or email support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 25 - Spotlight on Signs and Symptoms - How we created a campaign

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 16:00:00 +0100

In this episode we talk to Ali Lopez, the charity's Campaigns and Communications Manager about how the charity created the new Signs And Symptoms campaign that the charity recently launched to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of brain tumours. Ali talks through the process of creating a campaign like this and how involvement from the community played a key part.

The aim of this campaign is to help people recognise symptoms of a brain tumour and get diagnosed earlier. This campaign builds on the hugely successful HeadSmart campaign the charity created to raise awareness of childhood brain tumours to bring together both adult and childhood brain tumours.

You can find out more about the campaign here, if you would like to discuss the campaign with Ali or any of her team you can email the team at info@headsmart.org.uk or call them on 01252749990

If you would like to speak to a member of our Support team you can call 0808 800 0004 or email support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 24 - Scanxiety

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we talk to Betty and Sarah about their experience of having scans and the very real anxiety that often goes with this. They share some of the things they have found helpful in reducing the level of anxiety they feel in the run-up to their scan and things they do during the scan to help them get through the experience.

If you'd like to talk to a member of the support team you can call them on 0808 008 004 or email support@thebraintumourcharity.org

You can find more information about Scanxiety in adults here and for children here. You can find out more about having a scan as an adult here and also for children here. You can also find an amazing animation for children here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 23 - Spotlight on Improving Brain Tumour Care

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 13:00:00 +0100

In this episode, senior involvement and impact manager Shannon Winslade joins Chandos to talk about how you can help us to improve the treatment and care of people diagnosed with a brain tumour. Shannon spoke about the importance of getting our community to share their experiences both good and bad so we can find out where the gaps in care are, what people's experiences are like in different treatment centres around the country and how we use this information to provide treatment centres essential insights into their patient's experiences and how they can make improvements.

Some of you may have already completed the surveys when we ran them previously if you have had further treatment, at a different stage or experienced any change from the last time you took part you can still participate.

You can find more information about the Improving Brain Tumour Surveys or take part in the surveys on our website here

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about our Involvement Network you can email Shannon and the rest of the Involvement team by emailing involvement@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 22 - Sibling Grief

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0100

In this episode I talk to Kaz and Lauren about what it's like to loose a sibling to a brain tumour. For those of us that having siblings we know that the relationship we have with our siblings is different from any other relatonship we have. Kaz and Lauren share what it's been like for them when they found out their siblings had a brain tumour. They share how the loss has changed their lives and the gap that is left when a sibling dies.

Kaz has set up a Facebook group called Grieflings to help other people who have lost a sibling as she struggled to find a space where she could talk about her experiences with people who truly understood. You can find the group here. You can also find Grieflings on Instagram here

You can also contact our support team by calling 0808 800 004 or emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 21 - Spotlight on Strategy Update - Beyond Brain Tumours

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Chandos talks to Andy about his involvement with the new strategy the charity is co-creating with the community. Andy is a volunteer that not only works on the podcast but is also part of the Steering group made up of members of the community, The Brain Tumour Charity and other organisations that are working to improve the treatment and care of people diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Andy explains more about this process and what the new strategy aims to do.

You can find out more about the new strategy here and also ways you can get invovled here

You can also contact the Involvement Team by email involvement@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 20 - Dating and relationships after a diagnosis

Tue, 24 May 2022 15:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Chandos and our guest Laura talk candidly about the reality of dating after a brain tumour diagnosis and the difficulties of online dating and telling a prospective partner. They share their personal experiences and how they approach the world of dating and relationships whether online or in person.

If you would like support around your relationship or you are single and would like support around some of the issues raised in this episode, we have partnered with relationship counsellors Relate to offer relationship counselling you can find out more here

You can find out more about the support available from our support team here
You can contact our support team by calling 0808 800 0004 or emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 19 - Spotlight with Alex Lochrane (CEO)

Tue, 10 May 2022 16:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we meet our newest co-host Anna Blyszko as she and Chandos talk to our new CEO, Alex Lochrane. Alex joined the charity about 3 months ago and shares with Anna and Chandos some of his background, why he joined the charity and where he sees the charity going under his guidance.

Alex also shares how our new strategy is being co-created with the community and how this may change the direction of the charity as we listen to you, our community about what you want from us as a charity and how excited he is about this.

If you want to find out more about our new stratergy and how you can get involved head on over to our website or email our Involvement Team involvement@thebraintumourcharity.org

You can find out more about Alex here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 18 - Life after active treatment

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we talk to Lucy and Lauren who share what it means to be successfully treated following a brain tumour diagnosis. They share the ongoing impacts caused by both the brain tumour itself and the treatments used to treat their tumours and how this affects all aspects of their lives. They also discuss what being 'cured' actually means from their perspective.

If you would like to talk to a member of the support team you can email support@thebraintumourcharity.org or call 0808 800 0004. You can find out more about the support available by visiting our website here

If you want to find out how you can support research into finding not only a cure for brain tumours but also better treatments to reduce the long term impacts of treatment such as those discussed in this episode you can find out more on our website here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 17 - Spotlight on 'How I use BRIAN'

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Chandos talks to Nicola about how she uses the BRIAN app to help her manage her condition, including using it to track side effects, to log when she has a seizure and to keep a record of her appointments so she can show her husband, family members and also her medical team.

Post Script: The BRIAN app has since been decommissioned, but you can find similar support, information and resources here: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 16 - A Parent's Experience part 2: Looking to the future

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In the second part of our interview, Kerry talks about life after treatment. She mentions the services and support that have helped her and also shares that a brain tumour diagnosis can sometimes mean you are not signposted to the right support.

You can find more information about our Children and Families Service here.

If you would like to join our private Facebook group for Parents you can do so here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 15 - Part 1 - A Parent's Experience: Surviving Brain Surgery Day

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0000

TW: emotionally challenging content

Our hosts talk to Kerry whose son Rowan was diagnosed with a brain tumour shortly after he was born. Kerry shares what it was like from a parent's perspective to see her child in distress when other people couldn't see that anything was wrong and the journey a parent goes on once a diagnosis is made.

If you are a parent listening to this and would like to talk to someone about what you're going through, you can contact our Children and Families Team by emailing childrenandfamiles@thebraintumourcharity.org or call our support line on 0808 800 0004

You'll find more information about the Children and Families Service here

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 14 - Spotlight on Coping At Christmas

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 07:00:00 +0000

We know that whilst Christmas can and often is a great time of year, it can also bring with it some challenges if you are living with a brain tumour or caring for someone who has a tumour. In this episode, Cam, Chandos and Sara share some of the things they have found have helped them cope during the Christmas break. Kate Skinner our Support and Information manager also shares some information about the support available during the holiday break.

If you need support over Christmas you can contact our support team by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org or calling 0808 800 0004. You can also find information on our website https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/

You can also call the Samaritains on 116 123, they are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 13 - 3am Awake Club

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Volunteer Andy Tudor talks about how being diagnosed with a meningioma five years ago has affected his life. Andy has come up with some creative solutions for some of the side effects of his brain tumour, including coping with insomnia. In a bid to keep the night-time "thought demons" away he set up a social media account and he's built up a following of thousands by sharing positive messages when he wakes in the wee small hours. It's become the 3am Awake Club!

You can find Andy on Twitter here @AndyHTudor1

You can find more information about the side effects of a brain tumour here https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/side-effects/

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 12 - Spotlight On Fundraising Events

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode find out more about how the charity raises money for research into brain tumours and treatments as Chandos talks to Sarah Castleman, Events Manager at the charity. Sarah talks about how we had to change the way we had to do events in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the impact of this and what this means for us as a charity and how we do events as we come out of the pandemic. Sarah talks about the importance of these events both in terms of raising money for vital research into treatments for this terrible disease and also for the community to be able to come together and support each other and keep the memory of loved ones alive.

To find out more about our events and how to get involved you can visit our website https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/get-involved/events/
or email Sarah and her team at events@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 11 - Caring for a parent - a young persons perspective

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode we talk to Kaj Mistry who was just 22 when her dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Kaj had moved away from the family home and was just starting her life in a new city when she found out about her dads diagnosis. Kaj decided to move back home to help look after him. Kaj shares her experience of what it was like to walk away from her new life to take on a caring role for her dad and how this experience has changed her.

If you are a young person aged between 16 - 30 and would like to connect with other young people who have been affected by a loved one's diagnosis you can join our Young Adult Carers Facebook Group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebraintumourcharityyoungadultcarerssupportgroup

If you are over 30 you can join our main Carers Facebook Group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/470978559740874

You can contact our Young Adults Team by emailing YAS@thebraintumourcharity.org
or call out support line on 0808 800 0004

You can find more information about our Young Adults Service here https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/young-adult-service/

You can find more information about caring for someone with a brain tumour here https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/relationships/caring-somebody/

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 10 - Spotlight on Volunteering for the Charity

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode Amie Frayne talks about her role as the Volunteer Development Manager and what a vital role volunteers play in just about every aspect of the charity. Amie talks about the types of things volunteers can do at the charity from helping to run events to supporting on our social media channels and much more. You'll also hear from some of our volunteers about their experiences of volunteering at the charity as well as how you can find out about the roles available.

You can find out more information about volunteering at the charity on our website here https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/get-involved/volunteering/

If you have any questions you can get in touch with the team by emailing volunteering@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 9 - What's it like to get diagnosed as a child?

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode we hear from Rosie who was diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was just 8 years old. She shares what it was like to be a child going through treatment, how it affected her friendships, going to school and the long term impacts both mentally and physically of having a brain tumour at such a young age.

If you would like more information about our Children and Families Service you can go to our website https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/children-and-families-service/ or contact the team directly by emailing childrenandfamilies@thebraintumourcharity.org

For more information about our Young Adults Service https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/young-adult-service/ or email the team at yas@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 8 - Spotlight on National Eye Health Week

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode Chandos talks to Optical Engagement Manager Lorcan Butler about the importance of eye exams as these appointments can tell you much more about your overall health than just if you need to wear glasses.

Lorcan talks you through what happens at a typical appointment, what your optician looks out for and some of the health conditions, including brain tumours that can be detected during these eye exams and also what happens if something is detected when you have an eye exam.

You can find out more about how brain tumours can affect your vision on our website here https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/side-effects/sight-problems-and-brain-tumours/

If your need support with coping with sight loss you can find information on our website here https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/side-effects/sight-problems-and-brain-tumours/coping-sight-problems/

You can contact our support team by calling 0808 800 0004 or emailing Support@thebraintumourcharity.org

Find out more about National Eye Health Week by visiting Vision Matters https://www.visionmatters.org.uk/

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 7 - Finding your new 'normal' after a loved ones diagnosis

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we talk to Diane Thomas about how a loved one's diagnosis changes life for everyone not just the person with the diagnosis and why creating a new 'normal' is so important. Diane talks about problem-solving and finding creative solutions to keep creating a new 'normal' as things changed. Diane also talks about her experiences of having to deal with her husband's personality changes due to the location of his tumour and the importance of not being afraid to ask for help.

Diane also shares suggestions on how friends can help and that these don't have to be big it can be as simple as cooking a bit extra and taking it over to a friend who is knee-deep in caring for someone.

If you would like to speak to someone from our support team you can call 0808 800 0004 or email the team support@thebraintumourcharity.org

You can find out more about personality changes due to a brain tumour here https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/side-effects/personality-changes/

You can join our Carers Facebook Group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/470978559740874

If you would like more information on being a carer you can find information on our website here https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/relationships/caring-somebody/

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 6 - Spotlight on The Brain Tumour Charity app BRIAN

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0100

In this Spotlight episode Chandos talks to Fiachra Woodman about BRIAN.

BRIAN (the Brain tumouR Information and Analysis Network) is an online app which has been developed by The Brain Tumour Charity to help people cope with a brain tumour diagnosis. BRIAN can help you - and those supporting you – to understand how you are doing and to make better informed decisions. Fiachra talks about some of the ways you or your loved one can use BRIAN such as carrying out challenges in the app, setting appointment and medication reminders and much more.

One of the aims of BRIAN is to use the information provided by you and your loved ones to enable researchers to better understand brain tumours to improve treatments and ultimately find a cure for this terrible disease.

You can find out more and download BRIAN here https://askbrian.org.uk/ or through Google Play or the App Store

If you have already downloaded BRIAN could spare a minute or two to complete a short survey on how you have found using it. As Fiachra says your feedback is really important to us in helping us make BRIAN into something that is really helpful for you. You can find the survey here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3Z6CFWV

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 5 - Memory with Sunil Reddy

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we talk to Sunil Reddy about his diagnosis and the impact this has had on his life. Sunil talks about how his memory has been affected due to his treatment and what this has been like for him both coming to terms with the long term effects of having a brain tumour but also how he is finding ways to cope with these changes.

Memory loss is a common side effect of brain tumours with Cam and Chandos also sharing how, like Sunil they have also suffered with memory problems as a result of their tumours.

You can find out more about memory and brain tumours on our website https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/side-effects/memory-difficulties-and-brain-tumours/

We also have advice on coping wth memory issues on our website here https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/side-effects/memory-difficulties-and-brain-tumours/coping-memory-difficulties/

You can also track how your brain tumour has affected your memory using our BRIAN app https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/brian/snap-challenge-memory/

If you would like to talk to our support team you can call 0808 800 0004 or email support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 4 - Spotlight on 10 Ways We Can Help

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0100

In this episode Chandos talks to Eve Kelleher, the Head of Services at the charity about some of the ways our Support Team can help people who have been affected by a brain tumour diagnosis.

You can find out more about the 10 ways we can help here https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/

They talk about our online communities, from our Facebook support groups, Health unlocked to our Support Instagram you can find out more about our online communities here https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/online-brain-tumour-support-groups/

Eve explains how as well as our main support service for adults we also have a dedicated Children and Families Service https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/children-and-families-service/ and a Young Adults Service https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/

Eve also talks about some of the organisations we've partnered with to provide specialist support and advice to our community such as our Relationship Service https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/relationships/relationship-counselling-couples-affected-brain-tumour/ and our Benefits and Money Clinic https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/benefits-clinic/

If you would like to make a donation to the Charity you can do so on our website https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/donate/

If you would like more information about the support available you can email support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 3 - Life as a Carer

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Episode 3. Today, co-host Sara Challice explains what it's like when you're told that a loved one has a brain tumour and how her husband's diagnosis changed her life forever as she took on the role of his carer throughout his illness.

Sara opens up about the reality of caring, the toll it takes on individuals and the things she found helpful.

If you or a loved one have been affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, our Support Team is here to listen, provide information and signpost you to other services. Their contact details are below.

We also have dedicated private peer support Facebook Groups for Carers here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/470978559740874 or if you are aged 16 to 30 you can join our Young Adult Carers Facebook Group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebraintumourcharityyoungadultcarerssupportgroup

You can find more information about support for carers on our website https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/relationships/

Sarah Challice has a website here www.whocares4carers.com and details about her book are here: https://bit.ly/whocaresbook

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 2 - Spotlight on Best Care Everywhere

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0100

In the first of our 'Spotlight' episodes, Chandos talks to Emma Wood who was the Involvement and Impact Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity.

They discuss why The Charity has launched "Best Care Everywhere" - a new strategy to ensure people get the best treatment and care possible wherever they are in the UK - and how you can get involved.

To take part in the Improving Care Today Surveys https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/improving-brain-tumour-care-surveys/

You can find out more about the Tessa Jowell Centres of Excellence on our website https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/media-centre/news/research-news/announcing-tessa-jowell-centres-excellence/

To find out more about the Involvement Network email involvement@thebraintumourcharity.org or visit our website https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/get-involved/volunteering/use-your-experience/

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org

Episode 1 - Getting to know your hosts

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 20:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the very first episode of The Brain Tumour Charity's podcast! In this episode, you'll meet our original host Sarah, who worked at The Charity, and Cam and Chandos - volunteers who are both living with a brain tumour diagnosis.

They'll be sharing their experience of what it's like to be told you have a brain tumour and what it's like to live with a diagnosis. We'll also be telling what you can expect from future episodes.

[Please note our co-hosts have since changed but they are still a mixture of staff and volunteers with lived experience of a diagnosis.)

For more information about what we do, visit our website at https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org

If you would like to know more about our Young Ambassador Program you can find more information on our website https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/about-us/who-we-are/our-young-ambassadors/

If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, you can contact our Support Team by calling 0808 800 0004, by using the web chat on our website or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org

If you have any questions about this episode of the podcast, email podcast@thebraintumourcharity.org