brainstrust

PRESS RELEASE

Brainstrust, the Meg Jones tumour charity, has moved into its new home in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.  Originally based in Winchester, Brainstrust was set up by Helen and Peter Bulbeck when their daughter was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in 2004 at the age of 19 and now supports over 100 families who are battling brain tumours.

Appeared in the Isle of Wight County Press on 24 November 2008

Trust director, Helen Bulbeck said: "We were saddened and surprised to find that 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 those much needed funds.   In 2006, Meg was successfully treated in Boston and all of her brain tumour was removed.  Meg has since gone from strength to strength and has recently graduated, become engaged and is working full-time for a publisher in London.

In the process of fund-raising for Meg's operation, Helen gathered so much information and made so many contacts in the global medical field that she wanted to share that with other families and patients who were suffering from a brain tumour.  Brainstrust now supports over 100 families who are battling this terrifying condition.

"If anyone needs 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 us improve brain tumour services in the UK," observed Helen Bulbeck.

Administrator, Peter Bulbeck, now retired, volunteers his time and is a keen sailor. The charity is now run from the Bulbeck's home in West Cowes with a fund-raising and development executive based in Southampton.  He commented: "The island is a wonderful location and we look forward to making new friends and becoming part of the local community."

Notes to Editors:

brainstrust aims to create solutions for people with brain tumours, as well as saving lives.  The charitable trust is dedicated to improving proactive care for brain tumour sufferers and providing co-ordinated support in their search for treatment. 

brainstrust was founded in 2006 after the charitable trust's icon, Meg Jones, had been diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 19.  Meg subsequently underwent successful neurosurgery for the removal of the tumour in Boston, USA, during the summer of 2007. 

For more information, visit: www.brainstrust.org.uk

Brain Tumour Facts

• Brain cancer is the greatest cause of death among children after accidents.
• It accounts for one quarter of childhood cancer. Tumours of the central nervous system are the second most common form of cancer in children aged birth to 15 years.
• There is no UK-wide strategy for the treatment of, or research into, brain cancer.
• In the UK, there are 6,000 new cases of primary brain tumour every year.
• It is the fastest fatal disease in the over 65s. The incidence is increasing significantly in this age group.
• No structured research base exists for brain tumours, therefore treatment options are limited. It is not known why people get brain cancer.

For further press information on brainstrust or to arrange a photo opportunity contact brainstrust director Helen Bulbeck on 07788722156 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it