John Stuart

Trustee

In 2004 I spent a life-changing three weeks in hospital being diagnosed with, and having surgery for, a brain tumour.  On being discharged, my wonderful Neuro-Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist gave me a pack of information including a simple leaflet about a charity, Hammer Out (now Brain Tumour Support). It said:

Hammer Out would like people experiencing the shock and bewilderment of the diagnosis of a brain tumour to know they have others to turn to.

My family and I ‘turned to’ and hugely appreciated the support we received, knowing we were not alone. We have met some wonderful, inspiring people over the years and that has driven my own wish to help as best I can.

As a result, I’ve shared my story, been a patient representative and acted as a volunteer project manager for the charity.  So it was a pleasure and honour for me, in 2022, to be invited to become a Trustee.  Whilst I hope that my professional skills complement those of the other Trustees, I think my key responsibility is to ensure we can respond to our community’s needs and keep delivering the ‘you are not alone’ support for patients and families.