Brain Tumour Support’s Founder, Tina Mitchell Skinner, honoured with an MBE

13 June 2025 | News, Supporters

We are delighted to announce that our Founder and former Chief Executive, Tina Mitchell Skinner, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in The King’s Birthday Honours 2025.

Tina founded the charity in 2003 following the death of her husband, Paul Mitchell, who had been diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour eighteen months previously. From her own experience of navigating the immense challenges of brain tumour diagnosis, treatment and bereavement, Tina was determined that no one should face such a journey alone, and she dedicated herself tirelessly to building specialist, personalised support services for anyone – patients, families, caregivers, and loved ones – affected by any type or grade of brain tumour.

After leading the charity for 21 years Tina stepped down in 2024 to spend more valuable time with her growing family and pursue other life ambitions. However, her passion for Brain Tumour Support, its ongoing work and the lives it touches, is undimmed, and she was deeply moved to learn of her award:

‘I am overwhelmed with this news and it has still not sunk in properly. It feels such an honour, but all I can think about are the amazing people I have met on this journey, albeit a journey I never wished for us to be on.

So this is for you my darling Paul, and for my wonderful family, countless friends, health professionals, volunteers, staff, trustees, businesses and last but certainly not least, the incredible families I have come to know, who have helped to achieve the vision to provide support for all those affected by a brain tumour. None of this would have been possible without their unwavering support and belief in me.

‘This cause has been at the centre of my life for over twenty years, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.’

Brain Tumour Support’s current Chief Executive, Emma McKeown, who made the nomination for Tina’s award, was delighted by the news:

‘Tina’s passion and determination to help others in the face of unimaginable personal loss has inspired so many, including myself. It was a privilege to work alongside her and take on the baton of leadership at the charity, and I am delighted that she has received this recognition for her incredible contributions to our community.’

The entire team at Brain Tumour Support, alongside its board of trustees and community of supporters and volunteers, extends heartfelt congratulations to Tina on this deeply deserved honour.

Read more about Tina’s story here: https://www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/about/our-story

See Tina and Emma talk together about the impact of  brain tumours on their own families and their shared passion in supporting others: https://www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/about/join-the-conversation