Laura’s story

In autumn 2023 Brain Tumour Support were gifted an incredible prize; the opportunity to visit The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, to get up close and personal to these majestic animals, all while staying in the luxury accommodation on site. We created a crowd funder and raised nearly £1000 in ticket sales!

The lucky and well-deserved winner…

Laura, a brain tumour patient who connected with Brain Tumour Support through the pilot scheme we ran at Southmead Hospital at the start of 2023, upon her initial diagnosis. It’s been hard to come to terms with, and Laura has struggled to share her diagnosis with anyone but her immediate family and close friends. However, she feels she’s now ready to share her story, in the hopes it will bring comfort to others in her position and will help to raise awareness of the work we do as a charity.

With Louise (my Support Professional) I’m able to share things I wouldn’t share with anyone else, with no fear of judgement.

Diagnosis and support

Laura first went to the GP with a persistent chronic headache and was sent for an MRI. This MRI showed a lesion on the brain thought to be a brain tumour (glioma). A biopsy was advised to further inform the diagnosis and Laura had the procedure June last year. Unfortunately, the biopsy came back as inconclusive leaving Laura in the dark about the full diagnosis and grade of the tumour and she has now been placed on three monthly scans to monitor any changes before a treatment plan can be considered.

As you can imagine this has been an incredibly tough time on her and her young family, but she has found comfort in Brain Tumour Support, especially her dedicated Support Professional, Louise. Laura notes that with Louise she’s able to share things she wouldn’t share with anyone else, with no fear of judgement. Louise has been with Laura, and her family throughout her brain tumour journey so far and will continue to be there for emotional support for however long Laura needs her.

Laura’s visit to the Big Cat Sanctuary

Having won the prize draw to visit the Big Cat Sanctuary, Laura and her husband took a well-deserved break at the beginning of December (check out the photos below!) and upon returning home, she feels that now is the right time to share her diagnosis with the rest of her friends and family.

We know how scary a brain tumour diagnosis can be, which is why our support is so vital. We are here for ANYONE impacted by a brain tumour, at any time – whether you or your loved one were diagnosed yesterday or 10 years ago.

We’re so glad that the prize went to such a worthy winner. Thank you Laura for being brave and sharing your story, we are certain it will help others in your position to feel less alone.