Support and inspiring stories

Brain tumour stories from our community

There are so many inspirational stories to tell

The stories shared here are personal experiences of patients, family members, caregivers, fundraisers, volunteers and our staff. Each one says something individual about their experience of living with, or being affected by, a brain tumour diagnosis. All of these stories show how your support can make a real difference.

The experience of you, or someone close to you, going through a brain tumour diagnosis and treatment can be confusing, terrifying and very isolating. No two journeys through this are the same. But sharing experiences, the good and the bad, the triumphs and the setbacks, the worries and emotions that come with it, can help others feel less alone.

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If you would like to share your experience of living with, or being affected by, a brain tumour diagnosis, we would love to hear from you.

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Stories from our community

Adam and Ruth’s story

Read Adam's inspiring story of overcoming a life-threatening brain tumour, his recovery journey with Brain Tumour Support, and how he and his wife Ruth gave back by organising a successful fundraising event to help others in need.
Read Adam and Ruth’s story

Adam’s story

Adam was diagnosed with a high grade brain tumour in 2021, after collapsing with a seizure whilst at football training with his young son. After surgery and intensive radio and chemotherapy, and with good support around him, he is staying positive for the future.
Read Adam’s story

Alex’s story

Alex was diagnosed with a colloid cyst in 2022, but it was only recently, with the news of Davina McCall undergoing surgery for the same type of brain tumour, that he appreciated just how rare it was.
Read Alex’s story

Ali’s story

Ali’s mum was full of life and energy, belying her 79 years. Ali imagined they would enjoy many more together, until a shocking brain tumour diagnosis meant that those years became just weeks.
Read Ali’s story

Andy’s story

Andy served as a firefighter for 16 years until he was forced to take medical retirement from his role after he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour. His daughter Izzy explained how support has been important for the whole family.
Read Andy’s story

Arvin’s story

A serious car accident changed Arvin’s life forever. But it wasn’t the injuries from the accident that did it. It was the MRI scan that he had as a precaution.
Read Arvin’s story

Ashley’s story

Ashley was diagnosed in 2020 with astrocytoma. Ashley's sudden diagnosis and need for immediate surgery was overwhelming.
Read Ashley’s story

Brad and Scruffy’s story

Brad and Scruffy's story is a tale of two warriors - both diagnosed with a brain tumour, and although Scruffy is no longer with him, Brad finds inspiration every day from the incredible spirit that his most special companion always showed.
Read Brad and Scruffy’s story

Carly’s story

Life was good for Carly. She loved her job, had recently married her childhood sweetheart Kris, and just celebrated her 30th birthday. What she didn't know was that she was living with a large brain tumour.
Read Carly’s story

Chantal’s story

Read Chantal's inspiring journey through diagnosis, treatment, and resilience in the face of a brain tumour. Follow her story as she navigates challenges, raises awareness, and finds hope amidst adversity.
Read Chantal’s story

Chris’ Story

Chris share's his experience of being a part of the Friends and Family Support Group, following his wife's brain tumour diagnosis.
Read Chris’ Story

Chris’ story

Chris’s life was changed by a brain tumour diagnosis in 2017, and he has faced recurrences and ongoing challenges. He regularly attends our monthly Men’s Support Group, finding it helpful to talk about his experiences of living with a brain tumour over the past eight years.
Read Chris’ story

Chris’ story

During treatment for a brain tumour, Chris started to retreat from the world and became reclusive. Until he found his local support group.
Read Chris’ story

Chris’ volunteer story

Chris has Asperger’s Syndrome and started volunteering for Brain Tumour Support in 2011 for just a few hours per week.
Read Chris’ volunteer story

Dan’s story

Dan was just 20 when he was first diagnosed with a brain tumour as a result of a chance eye test. Dan and his wife Sonia, who have been together through everything, are eager to raise awareness of symptoms, early diagnosis and the long term impact.
Read Dan’s story

Daniel’s story

Daniel is in his 20's and has had a brain tumour since birth. It has affected his life, but he doesn't let it stop him living his life.
Read Daniel’s story

Darren’s story

Twelve years on from his original brain tumour diagnosis, Darren is keen to look for ways to support and encourage others on a similar journey.
Read Darren’s story

Dave’s story

Dave was a detective with Staffordshire Police and the headaches he had been suffering were put down to stress from his job.
Read Dave’s story

David’s story

David tragically passed away just eight months after diagnosis of a glioblastoma brain tumour. His friend and colleague Sarah shares his story and the reason she is raising funds in his memory.
Read David’s story

Debbie’s story

Debbie’s family had already faced one tragic loss to a brain tumour, and then in December 2023 her mum was also diagnosed with a glioblastoma.
Read Debbie’s story

Elaine’s story

Elaine was diagnosed with a high-grade brain tumour in 2023. As she faced treatment, losing her driving licence, leaving her job and adjusting to a changed life, her Brain Tumour Support Professional, Amy, was there to offer flexible, individualised support. Three years on, Elaine is back at the gym, walking her dogs, fundraising and working part time, while still being honest about the difficult days.
Read Elaine’s story

Elena’s story

Elena was diagnosed with a brain tumour at nineteen, just as she was about to start university. She shares her experience, the long-term impact and why ongoing support continues to matter.
Read Elena’s story

Ellie’s story

Ellie, a teaching assistant at a special needs school near Bath, was just 25 when she was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour.
Read Ellie’s story

Freyja’s story

At the age of just 28, she had lost her husband to a rare form of abdominal cancer and less than a year later was then diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Read Freyja’s story

Hannah’s story

Hannah Cargill’s life has been touched more than most by brain tumours. After tragically losing her mum to a brain tumour in 2024, Hannah herself also received a devastating diagnosis.
Read Hannah’s story

Hannah’s story

Hannah was a healthy, energetic young mum, with no idea that anything was wrong until she had a seizure. Life changed in an instant, but she remains positive and determined to heal, helping others as she does so.
Read Hannah’s story

Harry’s story

Aged just 17, Harry had a seizure out of the blue and was subsequently faced with the terrifying news that he had a brain tumour. For both him and his family having expert support through such a difficult time was priceless.
Read Harry’s story

Heather’s volunteer story

It was ten years ago this week that I had to medically retire from my employment as a Staff Nurse at West Cornwall Hospital.
Read Heather’s volunteer story

Helen’s story

When Helen was diagnosed with a grade one meningioma, she was in too much shock to read all the information and support leaflets she was given.
Read Helen’s story

Jane and Bill’s story

Our support services have helped Jane and Bill feel less alone after Bill was diagnosed with a Grade 4 glioblastoma.
Read Jane and Bill’s story

Jane, Simon and Alice’s story

Jane’s brain tumour diagnosis changed life overnight for her, her husband Simon and their 10-year-old daughter Alice. As the family tried to cope with shock, fear and uncertainty, Brain Tumour Support helped Alice access specialist counselling, giving her a safe and confidential space to share her feelings. Their story shows why support for the whole family matters after a brain tumour diagnosis.
Read Jane, Simon and Alice’s story

Jane’s story

My optician saved my life. Brain Tumour Support helped me put it back together again.
Read Jane’s story

Jeanette’s volunteer story

Jeanette has been volunteering with Brain Tumour Support since 2016, and living with the impact of her own brain tumour diagnosis.
Read Jeanette’s volunteer story

Jenny’s story

How a Support Group changed Jenny's life.
Read Jenny’s story

Julie’s story

After being diagnosed with a brain tumour, she carried on with her many sporting challenges and fundraising.
Read Julie’s story

Karen and Lucy’s story

When Lucy was given her diagnosis of a brain tumour, it came out of the blue.
Read Karen and Lucy’s story

Kate’s big leap

She also wanted to raise money for Brain Tumour Support because her local Support Group was a great help to her and her family.
Read Kate’s big leap

Kieran’s story

Kieran was starting his studies at college, to fulfill his dream of being a paramedic, when he was diagnosed with a pineal germinoma brain tumour. The diagnosis changed his life.
Read Kieran’s story

Kimberley’s story

Kimberley's story highlights the transformative power of timely support provided by Brain Tumour Support.
Read Kimberley’s story

Konnie’s story

When Konnie’s world was turned upside down by a brain tumour diagnosis, it was a Brain Tumour Support counsellor that helped her pick up the pieces.
Read Konnie’s story

Laura’s story

Laura was the lucky winner of our special 'Big Cat Sanctuary' prize draw. She's also a brain tumour survivor herself and wanted to tell her story of how Brain Tumour Support have been there for her since her diagnosis.
Read Laura’s story

Laura’s story

A brain tumour diagnosis robbed Laura of her job as a sign language interpreter.
Read Laura’s story

Lesley’s story

Lesley was just getting used to life again after treatment for ovarian cancer, when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Read Lesley’s story

Linda’s story

2019 marked eleven years since Linda had an operation to remove a brain tumour.
Read Linda’s story

Linda’s story

Linda talks about the mental challenges faced when living with a brain tumour and how our support has made such a difference to her outlook.
Read Linda’s story

Lisa’s story

At aged just 26, Lisa's world was turned upside down with a brain tumour diagnosis.
Read Lisa’s story

Lucy and Jill’s story

A brain tumour took the life of Steve Adlam in October 2017. He was 48.
Read Lucy and Jill’s story

Lucy’s story

For years Lucy had known something was wrong, but several doctors and opticians had not taken her symptoms seriously.
Read Lucy’s story

Lyn and Teresa’s story

Lyn shares her story of how our specialist support helped her daughter regain her benefits and independence, and how that has changed their lives.
Read Lyn and Teresa’s story

Malcolm’s story

After the shock of being told he had an inoperable brain tumour, Malcolm was determined to continue to enjoy life as much as he could for as long as he could. He also planned one last great adventure - a fundraising skydive.
Read Malcolm’s story

Martyn’s story

In 2016, Martyn's life took a drastic turn. A devoted husband and father of three, he faced a sudden brain tumour diagnosis following a seizure.
Read Martyn’s story

Mike and Carole’s story

When Mike’s wife Carole was diagnosed with brain cancer, Brain Tumour Support was with him for every step of the way.
Read Mike and Carole’s story

Moya and Mike’s Story

Moya and Mike share how the Brain Tumour Support Friends and Family Group has helped them through Mike's diagnosis.
Read Moya and Mike’s Story

Nicole’s story

My husband and I have attended our local Brain Tumour Support Group since Keith was diagnosed with his inoperable metastatic brain tumour.
Read Nicole’s story

Nunzio’s story

Glenis helped nurse Nunzio after his cancer diagnosis. Now he cares for Glenis, who has a brain tumour.
Read Nunzio’s story

Paul’s story

Nearly four years ago Paul was diagnosed with a brain tumour, the size of a large satsuma, in the front left of his brain.
Read Paul’s story

Phee conquers Three Peaks

To mark the ten year anniversary of the removal of her brain tumour, Phee decided to take on the challenge of a lifetime.
Read Phee conquers Three Peaks

Phil’s story

Phil is 37 and lives in London with his wife and daughter. On his daughter’s first day of school, Phil went to hospital for brain surgery.
Read Phil’s story

Polly and Andy’s story

Life changed overnight for Polly and Andy with a brain tumour diagnosis which took away Andy’s active and healthy lifestyle and meant Polly became his carer.
Read Polly and Andy’s story

Rachel’s story

I am a Special Educational Needs PE teacher who lives in Wiltshire. I also work for a national organisation called the Youth Sport Trust
Read Rachel’s story

Richard’s story

After two rounds of brain surgery and chemotherapy, Richard hit an all-time low and felt suicidal.
Read Richard’s story

Robert’s story

Robert had always been fit, active and happiest on the water. But after a large haemangioblastoma brain tumour diagnosis, surgery and a long recovery, he feared a huge part of his world was over. With support from Brain Tumour Support and his own determination, Robert found his way back to the waves and rediscovered hope.
Read Robert’s story

Sammie’s story

Our worlds were torn apart in 2014 by the news that Jamie had a grade 4 glioblastoma.
Read Sammie’s story

Sarah and Emma’s story

Sarah, and sister Emma, are taking on the Newport Half Marathon in March 2024, in memory of their wonderful mum Stella, and generously fundraising for Brain Tumour Support.
Read Sarah and Emma’s story

Sarah and Leticia’s stories

Sarah’s work and family life changed suddenly in 2018 when she became ill due to a pituitary tumour - the same diagnosis which had affected her cousin Leticia. They both share their stories in support of others facing a brain tumour diagnosis.
Read Sarah and Leticia’s stories

Sean’s Story

Sean is taking part in a kick-boxing fundraising event, as a thank you for the support we provided himself and his family, following his Mum’s brain tumour diagnosis in 2020.
Read Sean’s Story

Sharon’s volunteer story

Sharon started volunteering for Brain Tumour Support in late 2020 having attended face-to-face support groups prior to the pandemic.
Read Sharon’s volunteer story

Shaun’s story

After suffering a seizure, initially thought to be caused by a stroke, Shaun was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma brain tumour which has changed his life, but with good support around him he keeps positive and inspires others.
Read Shaun’s story

Shirley and Michael’s story

Like a lot of our regular givers, Shirley has a very personal reason for supporting our charity. In 2003 doctors discovered her son Michael had a rare pineal germinoma brain tumour. He was just 12 years old.
Read Shirley and Michael’s story

Sian’s story

Sian’s busy life, as a devoted working mum of two young children, changed suddenly when a brain tumour was diagnosed after tests for an unrelated eye condition. She explains the rollercoaster journey she has been on in the year since diagnosis.
Read Sian’s story

Simone’s story

Simone had to give up her teaching career after being diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, but she found support that helped her to adapt to her 'new normal', and ways to explain to her young son about her brain tumour.
Read Simone’s story

Spencer’s story

Ex-Army Officer Spencer speaks about the experience of his brain tumour diagnosis through his poem 'My Cancer Journey'.
Read Spencer’s story

Sue’s story

Sue experienced worrying symptoms for a number of years before the cause was diagnosed.
Read Sue’s story

Suzanne’s story

Suzanne was eventually diagnosed with a low-grade glioma, a slow-growing brain tumour. She thought her life was over.
Read Suzanne’s story

Tina’s story

After being diagnosed with a brain tumour herself, Tina watched her beloved mum die from brain cancer.
Read Tina’s story

Walk for Support: Donna’s tribute to her dad

Donna lost her dad, John Lawton, to a brain tumour in 1992, when he was aged just 58. In March, Donna paid special tribute to him by taking part in Walk for Support, raising funds so that specialist support can be there for other families when they need it.
Read Walk for Support: Donna’s tribute to her dad

Latest news from our community

29 July 2026 29 July 2026

Joint charity letter to Secretary of State for Health and Soci(...)

This month, we joined five other key organisations dedicated to helping the brain tumour community, in writing a joint letter to the new Secretary of State for Health and Soci(...)

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16 July 2026 16 July 2026

Gleeds Energy steps up for support

The South West team at Gleeds Energy Limited have found an inventive way to support Brain Tumour Support while encouraging colleagues to get active and boost their wellbeing. (...)

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16 July 2026 16 July 2026

bClear Communications’ grant helps fund support

We recently received a grant from bClear Communications to help fund one of our Men’s Support Groups. This online group, run by a male Support Professional, gives patien(...)

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