Jane, Simon and Alice’s story
Support for the whole family after a brain tumour diagnosis
When Jane was diagnosed with a brain tumour in March 2025, her world changed in an instant. She had felt well, apart from symptoms she thought could be linked to perimenopause, but after an unexpected call from her GP and an urgent appointment, she was told she had a brain tumour.
The diagnosis was devastating for Jane and her husband, Simon. But alongside the shock, uncertainty and fear of what might happen next, one of Jane’s biggest worries was how to tell their 10-year-old daughter, Alice.
“I felt like the world was walking on by, and my world had just stopped.”
For Jane and Simon, the question was not only how they would cope, but how they could help Alice understand what was happening without frightening her.
When everything changed
Jane’s diagnosis came with no warning signs that felt serious at the time. The news was sudden, overwhelming and difficult to take in. She had walked into the surgery feeling well, and left with news that changed everything for her and her family.
In this part of their story, Jane talks about the shock of diagnosis, the uncertainty that followed, and the moment life began to feel very different.
Jane’s story
The impact on the whole family
A brain tumour diagnosis affects more than the person diagnosed. It can change family routines, relationships, plans for the future and the way everyone feels day to day.
For Simon, those early days brought pressure, worry and the need to keep going while trying to process his own emotions. Like many partners and carers, he was supporting Jane while also trying to manage the uncertainty and fear that came with the diagnosis.
Simon’s reflections show how important it is that support is available for loved ones too. Families often need space to talk, ask questions and be honest about what they are finding difficult.
Simon’s story
A safe space for Alice
At just 10 years old, Alice was trying to understand news that would be difficult for anyone to process. She loved Christmas, family time, games and giggles with her cousin, but life suddenly felt different.
Jane gave Alice a little teddy bear with a heartbeat and a recording of her voice, something Alice could hold when she felt worried. But Alice was also keeping many of her feelings tucked away because she did not want to make things harder for her parents.
When the family found Brain Tumour Support, Alice was able to access specialist counselling with a counsellor also called Jane. This gave her a safe, welcoming and confidential space to talk about her feelings in her own way.
“When I have a bad day, seeing my counsellor helps me feel brave again.”
For Jane, knowing that Alice had someone she could talk to without worrying about upsetting her mum brought an immediate sense of relief.
“After my diagnosis, finding Brain Tumour Support gave me a massive sense of relief — that finally we’d been heard and that there was some support for Alice.
“It felt like a big weight had been lifted for me, because I knew there was someone she could talk to about her feelings without worrying about upsetting me.”
In this part of their story, Alice shares her own perspective, including the worries she carried quietly and how having someone to talk to helped her feel calmer, braver and understood.
Alice’s story
Support that responds to individual need
At Brain Tumour Support, we know that no two families experience a brain tumour diagnosis in the same way. Some people need practical guidance. Some need emotional support. Some need counselling. Some need help understanding what support is available for their children, partner or wider family.
Our ethos is to respond to individual need wherever possible. For Alice, this meant adapting our counselling support to give her a creative, welcoming and safe space where she could talk, play and share what she was feeling.
For Jane and Simon, it meant knowing their daughter was being supported by someone who understood the impact of a brain tumour diagnosis on the whole family.
This kind of support can help families feel less alone at a time when life feels uncertain, frightening and difficult to navigate.
Find the right support for youWhy family support matters
Children and young people can find it hard to talk about serious illness in the family. They may worry about upsetting their parents, ask questions at unexpected times, or hide their feelings because they do not want to add to what everyone else is already carrying.
Specialist support gives children space to express those feelings safely. It also gives parents reassurance that their child has someone they can talk to, in confidence, at their own pace.
For families like Jane, Simon and Alice’s, this support can make an enormous difference. It can bring comfort, reassurance and a sense that they do not have to face everything alone.
“I hope other children who have a poorly mummy or daddy can get this help as well.”
First shared as part of our Christmas Appeal
Jane, Simon and Alice first shared their story as part of our Christmas Appeal, helping us show why specialist support for the whole family matters so much.
Their honesty helped shine a light on the hidden impact of a brain tumour diagnosis, especially for children and loved ones who may be carrying worries quietly in the background.
We are incredibly grateful to them for sharing their experience and helping more families know that support is available.
Help make support like this possible
Brain Tumour Support receives no government or statutory funding. Our services are only possible because of the generosity of the people, businesses, funders and communities who choose to stand alongside families affected by brain tumours.
Your support helps provide specialist emotional and practical support, counselling, support groups and ongoing guidance for people affected by any type or grade of brain tumour.
Make a donation today and make a differenceWe are here for you
If you or someone you love is affected by a brain tumour, you do not have to face it alone. Our support is free, confidential and available for patients, family members, friends and carers.
You can call our Support Team on 01454 422 701, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Request support from our team