Tributes

Tribute from Kathy Oliver
A friend of Cam and his family

Few things in life define the human spirit as sharply and poignantly as a life-threatening illness.

Some people grasp the diagnosis of a brain tumour with a passion and tenacity to thrive and survive that is quite astounding, becoming such an inspiration to others and such a beacon of hope that ultimately, they themselves seem indestructible. Cameron Fulljames was just this kind of man.

His powerful diary of a brain tumour journey, which you now hold in your hands, has brought hope to hundreds of brain tumour patients. It portrays a mix of gritty fortitude, a remarkable sense of humour in the face of adversity and an honesty and generosity of spirit that is heart-warming and extremely moving.

And, in spite of Cameron's peaceful passing just before Christmas 2004, his book still carries an undeniable and powerful message of hope for those suffering with a brain tumour.

Cameron's courageous speeches at numerous brain tumour conferences - without a single note or prompt - brought real inspiration to patients, their families and carers. His oft-repeated war cry, “You can beat this thing!” peppered with a few lively expletives, reverberated through conference halls when he spoke at symposiums; down telephone lines when he talked to anxious patients and across his Edinburgh dining room table when he was visited by members of the brain tumour community. His door and heart were always open to those struggling to come to terms with a brain tumour diagnosis.

Brain tumours know no rules of engagement. They afflict people of all ages and backgrounds.

Each year in the UK , more than 13,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour. Whether benign or malignant, the impact of a brain tumour can be devastating and profound for the patient as well as family, carers and friends. Brain tumours continue to be one of the most challenging of all cancers. Time is critical and so much is yet to be learned about the nature of brain tumours and effective treatment options.

There is progress. But unfortunately, medical research in this field is grossly under-funded.

Therefore, it is with deep love and gratitude for the life of Cameron Fulljames that this pledge is made to him:

The fight goes on, though you are now at rest.

The hope survives and is stronger than ever, thanks to you and your inspirational book.

The will and determination are unbowed, for your story hasn't ended.

The faith in tomorrow remains, because you've made such a lasting difference in your unique way.

And if, one day, we can all say "Cam would have been so thrilled to see what wonderful progress has been achieved in the battle against brain tumours," we will be firmly on the way to fulfilling his challenge "to beat this thing" once and for all.

 

Tribute from Cam's Colleagues at bmi regional

First Officer Cameron Fulljames

Captain Bill Hanton, Flight Operations Director, bmi regional

Moira Farquhar, Senior operations Secretary, bmi regional

Cameron Fulljames was raised on the North Island of New Zealand. On graduation from college he was commissioned into the Royal New Zealand Navy as a Sub-Lieutenant until 1993 when he left to pursue a career in aviation. On completion of his flying training with the Flightline Aeronautical College he was thought so highly of that they offered him his first commercial flying position as a Flight Instructor. In 1998 he emigrated to the UK and joined bmi regional in October 1999 as a First Officer on the SAAB 340 fleet.

In July 2000, Cameron was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, but with his characteristic courage, tenacity and humour, Cameron fought back. Following gruelling radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments, he returned to bmi regional and became involved with the Training Department as a Ground Instructor. Not content with this he was given the position of Security Manager in August 2001. During this time, it was Cameron's wish to write a book regarding his illness, in an attempt to help and encourage those who were also affected by cancer. The book, On a Wing and a Prayer, is a frank account of Cameron's thoughts and experiences throughout his initial diagnosis and rigorous treatments.

Cameron also spoke at various conferences concerning the care of cancer patients. He was a huge supporter of Brain Tumour UK and the Brain Tumour Foundation. Very sadly, having fought the return of the cancer tooth and nail, Cameron died in December 2004. His funeral service was on Christmas Eve. Cameron's story however does not end there. As his father Graham said, Cameron's book is his legacy. His message of hope still continues to help and encourage those affected by brain cancer.Cameron's approach to life was very straightforward:

'How to live life - dance like nobody is watching!'