brainstrust

A COUPLE who founded a charity after nearly losing their daughter to brain cancer have moved its base to the Isle of Wight.

Helen and Peter Bulbeck founded the charity, Brainstrust, when their daughter, Meg Jones, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in 2004, when she was just 19.
From its base in Cowes, the charity now supports more than 100 families who are battling brain cancer .

Trust director Helen, 46, from Castle Road said: "We were saddened and surprised to find the treatment of brain tumours in the UK is not a highly funded or understood area.
"When Meg was taken ill, she was diagnosed as untreatable and her life span could have been very short.

"I couldn't accept what I had been told so researched the treatment of brain tumours worldwide and found that there was a surgical option in the USA that could help. The problem was that it would cost £50,000."

Undeterred, Helen and Peter set up Brainstrust to raise the funds. Meg was successfully treated in Boston, in 2006, and has recently graduated, become engaged and is working full time for a publisher in London.

In the process of fundraising for Meg's operation, Helen gathered so much information she wanted to pass it on to others and through Brainstrust now supports other families battling the condition. She added:

"If anyone needs any help and advice because they or someone they love is coping with a brain tumour we are here to help. We always welcome new supporters and donations are very much needed to help improve services in the UK."

Read the full article in Isle of Wight County Press »

TWO young women who lost their mum to a brain tumour within seven days of her being diagnosed have organised a charity day in her memory.

Fifty-three-year-old Pamela Joint died in April this year and her family wanted to do something positive to remember her and to help combat the disease.

Her children Lynsey, 26, and Donna, 24, have organised a day full of charity events with the help of their aunt, Sue Read, landlady of The Stag Inn in Charlton All Saints.

There will be events going on at the pub all day on August 23, including a car boot sale, a hog roast, live bands, face painting and an auction of prizes, such as paintballing days and legoland family tickets, with any money raised going to brainstrust.

"Pamela was a very generous and very creative' woman", said daughter Lynsey.

She worked part-time in the A&E department at Salisbury District Hospital and also worked for the Salisbury District Council. She was a kind and loving person who liked animals and enjoyed being surrounded by countryside. She also loved spending time with her family, including one-year-old Rebecca, her first grandchild.

Anyone who wants to help raise money for this worthwhile cause can just turn up at The Stag Inn on the day and join in with the events. The car boot sale will run from 9am-12pm and costs £5 a pitch.

Read the full article on the Salisbury Journal »

brainstrust, which was set up by King's Somborne mum, Helen Bulbeck, has recently hired its first paid member of staff.

Victoria Green, who has worked in the charity sector for 10 years and was previously with Guide Dogs for the Blind and Gift of Sight, is the charity's new development officer and fundraiser.

Read the full article on This is Hampshire.net »

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 »