Sharon’s volunteer story
Supporting others through lived experience
Sharon started volunteering for Brain Tumour Support in late 2020, having attended face-to-face support groups before the pandemic. She had been an NHS nurse for 32 years when she was diagnosed with an extremely rare brain tumour in September 2019.
Living with a brain tumour diagnosis
The tumour proved inoperable, and Sharon has undergone various non-surgical treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, the intense treatment has also affected her health and, as a result, in December 2021, she was diagnosed with severe heart failure.
Despite significant health challenges, Sharon has continued to support others affected by brain tumours through her volunteering.
Supporting others through friendship groups
Sharon has made an amazing contribution to Brain Tumour Support during a very challenging period, with lockdown and COVID changing the way we support people. She currently hosts the Hampshire and Dorset friendship Zoom groups, providing fortnightly online meetings for companionship and support.
The group has become a vital resource for many people affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, helping members stay connected and feel less alone.
Using her experience to help others
Sharon also facilitates the Hampshire and Dorset BTS Facebook group and is always available to support her peers. She offers emotional support when needed and draws on her medical and clinical knowledge to help others understand aspects of diagnosis and treatment.
She has also used her professional background to create information resources and write insightful guest blogs for the Brain Tumour Support website.
Fundraising and giving back
Alongside being a support volunteer, Sharon has also done some amazing fundraising, including her ‘Brave the Shave’ challenge, raising more than £3,000 to support Brain Tumour Support.
The positive impact Sharon has on others speaks volumes about her commitment as a volunteer and how helping others contributes to her own wellbeing and sense of achievement.
Could you volunteer with us?
Every volunteer makes a difference.
Whether you can spare a few hours a month, share your skills or support local fundraising and awareness activities, there are many ways to get involved and help people affected by brain tumours.
Become a volunteer