Record numbers of patients and carers attended the Annual Brain Tumour Conference 2008 which has been acknowledged to be the most successful conference so far.

This year’s new venue, the Pavillion Suite at Edgbaston cricket ground, Birmingham proved to be ‘a hit’ attracting a record number of 150 delegates each day, that’s over 180 over the two days!

Aiming for ‘a better innings for patients’ Monday opened with Professor Cruickshank giving an introduction to brain tumours. This was followed by an overview of the Cancer Reform Strategy relevant to brain tumour patients, how this will be delivered and what it will mean for patients and professionals by a range of interesting speakers; see programme for further information.

The afternoon closed on a positive note with patient speakers giving personal accounts of their own inspirational journeys providing hope for all.     
Later on around 90 people attend the evening dinner in the Tom Dollery Suite overlooking the cricket pitch which provided a great opportunity for sharing experiences and making new friends.    

Tuesday was more participative with delegates invited to join break out sessions of their choice for in depth discussions on various topics. The conference closed with a lively topical debate between Professor Garth Cruickshank and Dr David Levy over the issue of patient top-up fees for treatment. Despite persuasive arguments from Dr Levy, Professor Cruickshank swayed the opinion of the audience in his favour as the majority decided to say ‘No’ to top-up fees on the NHS!

Brain Tumour UK supports brain tumour patients, their families, friends and carers through making connections, providing information and funding research.

• Supporting you
• Fundraising ideas
• Take part in events
• Research and Treatment

If you want to talk, we're here to listen: Call our Helpline

For advice and support, whether you have a brain tumour or are caring for someone, you can call our Helpline on 0845 4500 386 (10am - 1pm, Monday to Friday). We can also put you in touch with our free telephone support service known as Phone Pals and with our network of local Support Groups.

Having a brain tumour is no barrier to adventure and new experiences for some people. We had two Peters take on different challenges earlier this year to raise awareness and to raise money for Brain Tumour UK. They also come along and presented their stories at the annual conference at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on Monday 14 July along with other inspirational patients.

• Peter Buller has embarked on a three-week walk – or as he calls it, a ‘winding wobble to Walsingham’ – in celebration of 25 years of living with a brain tumour. Read about his journey at walsinghamwobble.blogspot.com and give him your support via his Justgiving page.
• Peter Davison cycled all the way from Land’s End to John O’Groats and raised more than £10,000 for Brain Tumour UK. He came along to the conference in full cycling gear with his bicycle and presented his achievement. To see the details of his route and weblog see his Justgiving page.

Read about their stories and others in our Patients’ Forum. If you have a story to tell that you’d like to share with everyone please email us.

Walking the Talk

1,725 miles were walked on Easter Monday at the start of a 2008 challenge to ‘walk the world’! The Ed Evans Foundation organised the occasion which saw 220 eager walkers, and many eager dogs, setting off across cliff tops. More …

The mileage from these walks is being donated to the International Brain Tumour Alliance's Walk Around the World for Brain Tumours, the target for which is 120,000 kms or three times around the globe at the Equator. For more information about the World Walk and the International Brain Tumour Awareness Week (26 October to 1 November 2008), please see www.theibta.org or contact kathy@theibta.org

Kathy Oliver, Secretary of the International Brain Tumour Alliance, attended the conference and presented on collaboration, cooperation and hope challenges for the brain tumour journey, see her presentation here.

The Cancer Campaigning Group (CCG) – a coalition of the 40 leading cancer patient organisations in the UK, including Brain Tumour UK – is calling on the Government to fulfil its recent promises in the Cancer Reform Strategy.

Whilst the CCG supports and welcomes the Strategy as a blueprint for the delivery of cancer services in England, CCG members remain to be convinced that the NHS will be able to deliver on the strategy’s promises within this timeframe and with the limited resources available.

Read more …

We want to do all we can to help anyone affected by a brain tumour. For more than ten years, we've provided a Helpline, support groups, regular newsletters and funded vital research into the causes and effects of brain tumours, and their treatment.
We also run the Denny Care & Relief Fund, a very personal fund which helps people with a brain tumour to have whatever they most need, whether that is a wheelchair, a washing machine or a holiday.

Our work makes such a difference to people who need our help and support. To continue this valuable work, however, we need your help to raise much-needed funds.

Click on the Charity Choice logo to make a donation online. This service is free and administered by a secure system with the Co-operative Bank plc.

Alternatively you can post your donation to:
Freepost RRAT-GBTJ-TRKG, Brain Tumour UK, PO Box 27108, Edinburgh EH10 7WS