brainstrust

THE GRANDFATHER of a teenager battling against a brain tumour has spoken of his immense gratitude to friends who travelled across land and sea to lend support. Business associates and friends of Derek Huddlestone, from Marlow Bottom, came from Ireland, Scotland and even Holland to take part in a fundraising walk.

Granddaughter, 14-year-old Jess Taylor, pictured, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour last August, got the trek under way at Albert Bridge in Battersea. The group strode a total of six miles to Tower Bridge. Mr Huddlestone said: "A substantial amount of money was raised and I very much appreciate their efforts. We are deeply indebted for all their kindness and support."

The money raised will go to the Jessica Taylor fund, which has joined forces with charity Brains Trust. MRI scans have shown that treatment to prevent the growth increasing in size have been successful. The family are aiming to raise enough money so she can have a pioneering treatment in Memphis, USA. Mr Huddlestone said: "It's been an incredible experience for us and shows that sometimes good comes out of adversity."

Congratulations to Jess' fantastic supporters on their successful fundraising walk. Find out more about Jess and the second exciting 60s Night in Maindenhead on Jess's Campaign page »

A fundraising event in the name of a Marlow teenager battling a brain tumour was a roaring success last night. There were 250 people at the Jessica Taylor Charity Fund dinner and dance, held at Newlands Girls School in Maidenhead.

It has left the charity, which smashed its original £25,000 target, determined to raise more money. Jessica, 14, was diagnosed with the tumour last August, and has been fighting the disease ever since.

She and her family set up the charity fund, to raise money for a multi-media ward at John Radcliffe Hospital, in Oxford, where she has had treatment.

Congratulations to Jess and her family for organising this excellent event! Don't miss out on their next 60s Night on 18 October. Find out more about Jess and how you can buy tickets on Jess's Campaign page »

Family pay tribute to daughter who dedicated her time to help others when she was diagnosed with brain tumour She was a courageous teenager whose dedication to help others even in her worst times touched the hearts around her. The funeral takes place today of Charlotte Smith who died 11 months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

In a statement her family said: "She was the most precious, loved and adored beautiful daughter and sister, who was a cherished friend to all her family and those who knew her."

"A true angel who walked among us and touched the hearts of everyone she met."

During her illness the 16-year-old set up her own charity to help raise thousands of pounds for others struck down by cancer. However, instead of thinking of herself the teenager started what has become known as Charlotte's charity - an appeal that she hoped would benefit others and she continued raising money until she died at Southampton General Hospital.

To raise money she sang on a charity CD she recorded with her twin brother Jack entitled But I Do Love You for friends and family.

brainstrust is proud to be supporting Charlotte's family. We are continuing to spread Charlotte's message of hope through her Fund of Hope. Find our more about Charlotte's campaign and listen to her song But I Do Love You »

A MUM-OF-FOUR with a massive brain tumour is daring to hope, after learning she has the chance to undergo life-saving surgery in the United States. Tania Foster, of Quarles Park Road, Chadwell Heath, faced a death sentence when she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour a quarter of the size of her brain.

The 35-year-old's nightmare began in late 2006, when she began suffering severe headaches, hot and cold flushes, fatigue and blurred vision. One evening, after a family dinner, she had a fit.

Miss Foster, now confined to a wheelchair, explains: "The only thing I remember doing was picking up a pint of barley juice. My kids and my partner have told me I started talking gibberish, threw the pint of barley juice over everyone, fell to the floor and had a full-on grand mal seizure. I was bleeding from the mouth and I turned blue."

The memory brings tears to her eyes, but the future began to look brighter when a friend found an article about a pioneering surgeon in Boston. Professor Peter Black, a neurosurgeon-in-chief, and his team are the only ones in the world with the expertise and equipment to tackle such a tumour.

He believes he can operate, but the cost of the procedure is £55,000, and a mammoth fundraising effort has begun. Miss Foster said: "The thought of someone going into my brain really frightens me, but ... I want to see my grandkids."

brainstrust is proud to be supporting Tania in her search for treatment. If you would like to give your support please make sure you tell us you want to support Tania and give today »

MEDICAL LABORATORY WORLD

The establishment of the UK’s first dedicated laboratory-based centre for brain tumour research has taken a step closer with a partnership with brain tumour charity brainstrust.

Read the full article on the Medical Laboratory World website