A personal experience
Roderick Marsden writes:

Eight years ago my son, Marcus, was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Fortunately the tumour (a grade 3 Anaplastic Astrocytoma) was removed and Marcus went on to receive radiotherapy. Since that time Marcus has lived a normal life, got married, had two wonderful children and furthered his banking career. Sadly, only two weeks after the birth of their second child, we received the devastating news that Marcus's brain tumour had returned. Thanks to medical advances during the past eight years, Marcus's surgeon in Leeds was able to operate to remove the tumour and place gliadel wafers at the site, resected to target stray cancer cells.

During Marcus's illness, I have come across some truly remarkable people, such as Marcus's surgeon, Stuart Ross, Professors Geoff Pilkington and John Darling, and Brain Tumour UK , all of whom have offered my family invaluable support and guidance. This has made a difficult time easier and without people like Geoff and John researching and pioneering new treatments, Marcus and others like him wouldn't have their quality of life and hope for the future.

I was shocked at the lack of funding for brain tumours and how much people like Geoff and John rely on private funding. I want to thank people for their support and guidance, hence my donation of £12,500 which was raised by contributions from suppliers, our own staff and friends. My wish is that this donation will help other families like ourselves, and give hope and inspiration to them, as well as practical support.

If you live in or around Shrewsbury and would like to join the fundraising-support group set up by Roderick, please call him on 0870 112 7170

 

Who supports you?

If you want to talk to someone, we're here.

• Helpline – 0845 4500 386 – open from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, Monday to   Friday, offering support to those living with a brain tumour and the people who care   for and about them

•  Phone pals – a group telephone call to share experiences

•  Support Groups – run by medical professionals, carers and patients