Hundreds set to raise vital funds for The Brain Tumour Charity
Four women who all had treatment at the same hospital for the same brain tumour diagnosis, but who only met through a charity’s online support groups, have teamed up to take on a major fundraising challenge.
Though they all had very different symptoms and routes to diagnosis, Sian Potter, Sally Canning, Helen Upstone and Stacy Allen were all treated for meningiomas.
Separately, they joined one of The Brain Tumour Charity’s private Facebook support groups, and, eventually, met up in person just before Christmas.
Under the team name ‘The Brighton Brain Aches,’ they’re now planning to join hundreds of participants at the charity’s annual Twilight Walk.
The event aims to raise vital funds for both research into brain tumours and for support services for anyone affected by their diagnosis.
The group, along with friend Madeleine who’s not well enough to take part in the walk, met for a second time last week to record an episode of the Let’s Talk About Brain Tumours podcast, which is being released later this month.
Stacy said they bonded because only they understood what their symptoms and treatment were like.
‘It’s brilliant being able to all support each other’
‘I think we’re each other’s aftercare to a certain degree because the aftercare from the hospitals is severely lacking. So, you have to find support in people who have been through it.’
‘And if you can find people that not only have been through the similar experience to you, but people that you actually get on with it’s brilliant being able to all support each other and just know how each other, how you feel.’
‘Because sometimes it’s hard to find the words to explain, perhaps a physical symptom that you’re feeling.’
‘With the best will in the world, your family are there for you, but these online groups are for people who’ve been through it, know about your symptoms and your surgery and the repercussions of that.’
‘The two are both really important because it can be a very lonely existence. And I think without the support group, we would be a lot worse off.’
Launched in 2013, The Twilight Walk is the flagship event for The Brain Tumour Charity. Supporters also regularly take part in some of the biggest UK fundraising occasions to raise vital funds.
Participants can choose between a 10K or 5K route through London’s Royal Parks, or they can organise their Own Walk anywhere in the country and at any time during March – chosen because it is Brain Tumour Awareness Month.
It results in a sea of people in red branded t-shirts and hoodies striding along their chosen route to remember loved ones and raise money for a vital cause.
London highlights include a warm-up by fitness influencer Rod Buchanan, a free eco-friendly medal, and an event village with food stands, photo booths and entertainment.
The top fundraisers at the event will be in with the chance of winning a memory book (donated by sponsors MyPicture).