Ashley’s story
Ashley’s sudden diagnosis and need for immediate surgery were overwhelming. She talked to us about her experience and how having specialist support and counselling has helped both her and her partner keep positive as she continues through treatment.
I was given the shock diagnosis of my astrocytoma brain tumour in December 2020 and needed emergency surgery due to the size of the tumour.
My head was all over the place. My son Forbes was only 2 years old and I had feelings of fear and being extremely overwhelmed.
That’s when my partner and I reached out to Brain Tumour Support, in January 2021.
From the first telephone call, we were made to feel at ease and listened to. I was referred to Support Professional Steve Miller, who helped me try and understand what was going on for me and my family and just listened to me. I had every emotion going….maybe too much swearing at times (sorry Steve!)
Steve was extremely supportive, kind and a great sounding board, I’ll never forget that.
My partner was referred to the Brain Tumour Support counselling service and I know he found the sessions with counsellor Kate helpful and this was also his own time and space to express how he was feeling. I also received support from Kate, which I feel helped me start to process my diagnosis and get a better understanding of it.
Unfortunately in late October 2021, I was told my tumour had grown a significant size and I required radiotherapy and now I’m currently receiving chemotherapy.
I feel I am a positive person and TRY and see the best in every situation and the ‘tools’ I have gained from Brain Tumour Support keep me going.
And continuing to receive the odd text or email, to check in with how I am, always picks me up if I’m having a bad day! I am extremely grateful and thankful for all the work you all do.
Ashley Griffin | March 2022
The Nurture Nursery’s special fundraiser
Ashley’s son attends The Nurture Nursery in Bathgate, near Edinburgh and the nursery’s owners Emma and Katie set up a fundraiser to benefit Brain Tumour Support on International Women’s Day 2022.
They explained: “We are happy to support Ashley, Forbes and family through these fundraisers. Ashley has been so strong throughout her illness and continues to maintain such a positive outlook for herself and Forbes. We hope to raise as much as possible through our International Women’s Day fundraiser.”
Read about it here.
