Archive for July, 2009
If you can make it to Norfolk in October and would like to help the International Brain Tumour Alliance’s “Walk Around the World” in aid of brain tumour awareness, then this is your chance!
Last year’s walk raised over £10,000 for Brain Tumour Action’s partner Astro Fund and they’d like to exceed that figure in 2009.
Download your copy of the poster here (it’s a .pdf file, so you’ll need either Acrobat Reader or Foxit Reader on your computer to open and print it) and put it in your window, on your workplace noticeboard and in shop windows etc.
For further details about this great event, call Christine Forecast on 01485 872767 or email forecast@sedgeford.eclipse.co.uk
July 29, 2009
Posted in: News from BTA 
Brain Tumour Research’s latest newsletter has just been published. Download your copy here.
Brain Tumour Action has been a partner of Brain Tumour Research right from the launch at the House of Commons in April at which we were represented. By bringing the brain tumour charitable community together, we can work in strength to fund the research into brain tumours that is so badly needed. BTR deserves all of your support – see the newsletter for ideas on how to help.
July 29, 2009
Posted in: News from BTA
Brain Tumour Action is a partner of Brain Tumour Research and is throwing its support behind The Big Wight Matter – BTR’s big fundraising event on the Isle of Wight later this summer.
It’s taking place at the Brighstone Holiday Centre on the Isle of Wight and you, your friends and your dogs are invited to join in with the brain tumour community to raise money towards the vital research we need so badly.
You can read all about it here and download your own copy of the Big Wight Matter poster here to display in your window, your office noticeboard and anywhere else you can think of. (N.B. the poster is a .pdf file, and you will need either Acrobat Reader or Foxit Reader on your computer in order to open and print it).
Two fifteen-mile walks, taking in the breathtaking scenery and big skies of West Wight, can be done on two consecutive days. Much shorter walks will also be organised for little legs! Basecamp will be at Brighstone Holiday Centre, where additional entertainment and events will be provided such as music, a hog roast, BBQ facilities, swimming and the all important beer tent. You will be able to walk from basecamp straight onto the cliff paths and wherever possible walks will be off roads. A quiz/treasure hunt will be included and there will be a prize giving ceremony.
This event is being organised by brainstrust on behalf of Brain Tumour Research and its affiliated charities. For more information contact helen@brainstrust.org.uk or tel 01983 292405. Sign up at the Brainstrust website!
July 29, 2009
Posted in: News from BTA
Brain Tumour Action aims to provide information, support and counselling to brain tumour patients and patients’ friends and families. Often people call in need of someone to talk to, and we provide a trained and knowledgeable counsellor to help.
BTA also funds research into brain tumours and treatments, often in conjunction with other Brain Tumour Charities in association with the United Brain Tumour Campaign.
We attend conferences and meetings within the public health sector to ensure the voice of brain tumour patients and families are heard, and their needs taken into consideration.
BTA also provides a set of information leaflets available for individuals and groups on various aspects of living with brain tumours.
Finally we coordinate various support groups up and down the country which is often of the greatest comfort to those most in need of someone to talk to.
BTA have no employees, all our work is carried out by committed volunteers.
Aims
BTA is a voluntary organisation with five major aims:-
* Support for relatives and sufferers of brain tumours
* Counselling for those who wish it
* Information on brain tumours and their treatment
* Education of the public about tumours
* Research into brain tumours and their treatment
Support Groups
Support groups meet regularly in Scotland, in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. Various associated groups operate in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In addition to the above, we provide aromatherapy for patients, run a “pager contact service” – allowing the carer and patient to have some time apart from each other, host a discussion forum facilitated by Yahoo and publish a newsletter. For more on these services see the projects page.
Counselling
The counselling side of the program is run on a telephone “befriender” basis. The telephone is covered by a trained counsellor. Specialist neuro-oncology nurses also give advice.
Information
Information is provided through a series of eight leaflets – low and high grade tumours, radiation, chemotherapy, epilepsy, Meningioma, pituitary and ‘living with a brain tumour’; these leaflets and further information on brain tumour facts and figures can be downloaded free.
Education
Education about various aspects of brain tumours is provided by the BTA website, by BTA volunteers attending study days organised by neuro-oncology nurses around the country and by holding our own annual lecture and information day.
Research
Research – We have participated in the “Scottish Audit of the Royal College of Physicians Guidelines for Good Practice in the Management of Malignant Glioma”. We are currently providing financial aid to assist a medical student to undertake a research project on “Post-resection prognostic outcomes of primary malignant paediatric brain tumours of different histopathological subtypes ”.
Brain Tumours and Children
Brain tumours are the most common solid tumour in children and have variable outcomes. BTA supports research into this form of the disease.
BTA have produced an information leaflet for parents of children with brain tumours. This is available on 0131-466-3116. It is also available on our website – click here.
Home
Charity Number: SC 021490
Brain Tumour Action aims to provide information, support and counselling to brain tumour patients and patients’ friends and families. Often people call in need of someone to talk to, and we provide a trained and knowledgeable counsellor to help.
BTA also funds research into brain tumours and treatments, often in conjunction with other Brain Tumour Charities in association with the United Brain Tumour Campaign.
We attend conferences and meetings within the public health sector to ensure the voice of brain tumour patients and families are heard, and their needs taken into consideration.
BTA also provides a set of information leaflets available for individuals and groups on various aspects of living with brain tumours.
Finally we coordinate various support groups up and down the country which is often of the greatest comfort to those most in need of someone to talk to.
BTA have no employees, all our work is carried out by committed volunteers.
Aims
BTA is a voluntary organisation with five major aims:-
* Support for relatives and sufferers of brain tumours
* Counselling for those who wish it
* Information on brain tumours and their treatment
* Education of the public about tumours
* Research into brain tumours and their treatment
Support Groups
Support groups meet regularly in Scotland, in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. Various associated groups operate in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In addition to the above, we provide aromatherapy for patients, run a “pager contact service” – allowing the carer and patient to have some time apart from each other, host a discussion forum facilitated by Yahoo and publish a newsletter. For more on these services see the projects page.
Counselling
The counselling side of the program is run on a telephone “befriender” basis. The telephone is covered by a trained counsellor. Specialist neuro-oncology nurses also give advice.
Information
Information is provided through a series of eight leaflets – low and high grade tumours, radiation, chemotherapy, epilepsy, Meningioma, pituitary and ‘living with a brain tumour’; these leaflets and further information on brain tumour facts and figures can be downloaded free.
Education
Education about various aspects of brain tumours is provided by the BTA website, by BTA volunteers attending study days organised by neuro-oncology nurses around the country and by holding our own annual lecture and information day.
Research
Research – We have participated in the “Scottish Audit of the Royal College of Physicians Guidelines for Good Practice in the Management of Malignant Glioma”. We are currently providing financial aid to assist a medical student to undertake a research project on “Post-resection prognostic outcomes of primary malignant paediatric brain tumours of different histopathological subtypes ”.
Brain Tumours and Children
Brain tumours are the most common solid tumour in children and have variable outcomes. BTA supports research into this form of the disease.
BTA have produced an information leaflet for parents of children with brain tumours. This is available on 0131-466-3116. It is also available on our website – click here.
Charity Number: SC 021490
July 23, 2009
Posted in: About Us
A brain tumour is a growth caused by the brain cells dividing in an abnormal and uncontrolled manner. Primary brain tumours develop in the brain cells, without having spread from another cancer in the body (metastasis) which is what defines a secondary brain tumour. There is no explanation why they occur, making it impossible to predict who will develop a brain tumour.
This can make it even more difficult to come to terms with the diagnosis, often creating feelings of helplessness and lack of control. One way to help is to seek accurate, understandable medical information about the disease and its treatment options. This information should be obtained from a doctor experienced in treating brain tumours. Some useful information may also be found on our Information page.
Facts and Figures
* Primary brain tumours are the most common solid tumour in children.
* Brain tumours are the second most common cause of neurological death (stroke is the most common).
* Primary brain tumours are the 4th most common tumour in the under 45 age group.
* Primary brain tumours are the 5th most common cause of cancer death in the working population.
* Secondary brain tumours (metastasis) affect 20% of all people with cancer.
* Primary brain tumours are the 8th most common in the working population.
* Every year 3,400 people lose their lives to a brain tumour.
Charity Number: SC 021490
A brain tumour is a growth caused by the brain cells dividing in an abnormal and uncontrolled manner. Primary brain tumours develop in the brain cells, without having spread from another cancer in the body (metastasis) which is what defines a secondary brain tumour. There is no explanation why they occur, making it impossible to predict who will develop a brain tumour.
This can make it even more difficult to come to terms with the diagnosis, often creating feelings of helplessness and lack of control. One way to help is to seek accurate, understandable medical information about the disease and its treatment options. This information should be obtained from a doctor experienced in treating brain tumours. Some useful information may also be found on our Information page.
Facts and Figures
* Primary brain tumours are the most common solid tumour in children.
* Brain tumours are the second most common cause of neurological death (stroke is the most common).
* Primary brain tumours are the 4th most common tumour in the under 45 age group.
* Primary brain tumours are the 5th most common cause of cancer death in the working population.
* Secondary brain tumours (metastasis) affect 20% of all people with cancer.
* Primary brain tumours are the 8th most common in the working population.
* Every year 3,400 people lose their lives to a brain tumour.
Charity Number: SC 021490
July 23, 2009
Posted in: About Brain Tumours
Julie, our Acting Chair, has been a Committee Member since January 2008. Her husband is a brain tumour sufferer who has had a low grade glioma for 8 years. She is interested in developing psychological support for brain tumour patients and their carers. She is particularly interested in the effects of brain tumours on memory and cognition. Julie is a part time GP in Edinburgh and has two children, aged 15 and 13.
Robert, our Treasurer, lives in Edinburgh with his wife Patricia. They have 3 grown up children all living away from home. He is a Chartered Accountant and a partner in French Duncan LLP which is a Scottish based practice operating out of 7 offices across central Scotland. He has worked with charities over a long number of years in various capacities including Auditor, secretary, treasurer, honorary treasurer and board member. Robert believes the work done by Brain Tumour Action is invaluable to patients and their families and the contributions it makes towards research projects he hopes will make a difference. His hobbies are golf, gardening and being out in the fresh air. He also enjoys music and going to the cinema when he gets the chance.
Lynne is our Secretary. Her son was diagnosed with a low grade astrocytoma in 1993 and she has been involved in brain tumour advocacy since that time. She runs the telephone support line for Brain Tumour Action and also liases with other brain tumour organisations throughout the UK.She is interested in supporting clinical trials nationally, particularly those embracing nutricutical, and less toxic modalities.Lynne is a part-time teacher and trained cousellor.
We also have on the committee Alice who is our representative for Support and Befriending, and David and Janice who are Patient Representatives.
July 23, 2009
Posted in: The BTA Committee
BTA uses the money it receives through donations and fundraising events to directly improve the lives of those affected by brain tumours.
A portion of the money goes towards maintaining support groups and establishing new ones up and down the country. To talk to people who are (or have been) in similar situations themselves is often of the utmost comfort to those who have been affected by the diagnosis of a brain tumour. We provide funds to help with refreshments and transport, to enable as many as possible to be able to attend.
However we also fund research every year to try and further understand the causes, nature and treatment of brain tumours. Here are examples of some more recent donations we have made to other organisations and research trials:
£15,000 – Neurosurgical Training Fund of the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, which is doing local research into new techniques to directly improve patient care and quality of life.
£5,000 – Samantha Dickson Research Trust, which funds research being done all over the UK. They have information about all the projects they have helped to fund on their website.
£1,750 – Macmillan Cancer Support, improving the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, emotional, medical and financial aid.
£840 – Bioflavonoid Research, Portsmouth University
Charity Number: SC 021490BTA uses the money it receives through donations and fundraising events to directly improve the lives of those affected by brain tumours.
A portion of the money goes towards maintaining support groups and establishing new ones up and down the country. To talk to people who are (or have been) in similar situations themselves is often of the utmost comfort to those who have been affected by the diagnosis of a brain tumour. We provide funds to help with refreshments and transport, to enable as many as possible to be able to attend.
However we also fund research every year to try and further understand the causes, nature and treatment of brain tumours. Here are examples of some more recent donations we have made to other organisations and research trials:
£15,000 – Neurosurgical Training Fund of the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, which is doing local research into new techniques to directly improve patient care and quality of life.
£5,000 – Samantha Dickson Research Trust, which funds research being done all over the UK. They have information about all the projects they have helped to fund on their website.
£1,750 – Macmillan Cancer Support, improving the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, emotional, medical and financial aid.
£840 – Bioflavonoid Research, Portsmouth University
Charity Number: SC 021490BTA uses the money it receives through donations and fundraising events to directly improve the lives of those affected by brain tumours.
A portion of the money goes towards maintaining support groups and establishing new ones up and down the country. To talk to people who are (or have been) in similar situations themselves is often of the utmost comfort to those who have been affected by the diagnosis of a brain tumour. We provide funds to help with refreshments and transport, to enable as many as possible to be able to attend.
However we also fund research every year to try and further understand the causes, nature and treatment of brain tumours. Here are examples of some more recent donations we have made to other organisations and research trials:
£15,000 – Neurosurgical Training Fund of the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, which is doing local research into new techniques to directly improve patient care and quality of life.
£5,000 – Samantha Dickson Research Trust, which funds research being done all over the UK. They have information about all the projects they have helped to fund on their website.
£1,750 – Macmillan Cancer Support, improving the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, emotional, medical and financial aid.
£840 – Bioflavonoid Research, Portsmouth University
Charity Number: SC 021490
BTA uses the money it receives through donations and fundraising events to directly improve the lives of those affected by brain tumours.
A portion of the money goes towards maintaining support groups and establishing new ones up and down the country. To talk to people who are (or have been) in similar situations themselves is often of the utmost comfort to those who have been affected by the diagnosis of a brain tumour. We provide funds to help with refreshments and transport, to enable as many as possible to be able to attend.
However we also fund research every year to try and further understand the causes, nature and treatment of brain tumours. Here are examples of some more recent donations we have made to other organisations and research trials:
£15,000 – Neurosurgical Training Fund of the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, which is doing local research into new techniques to directly improve patient care and quality of life.
£5,000 – Samantha Dickson Research Trust, which funds research being done all over the UK. They have information about all the projects they have helped to fund on their website.
£1,750 – Macmillan Cancer Support, improving the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, emotional, medical and financial aid.
£840 – Bioflavonoid Research, Portsmouth University
Charity Number: SC 021490
July 23, 2009
Posted in: Research
Adobe Acrobat Reader or Foxit Reader is required to view the leaflets.
Download our full-length information booklet, containing all of the information in our leaflet series, below:
Brain Tumour Action Booklet
Or alternatively you can read the individual chapters online by clicking the links below.
To download the chapters individually, please right click the link you would like and select “Save Target As” to save the file onto your own computer.
* Living with a brain tumour
* Brain tumours and epilepsy
* Radiotherapy for brain tumours
* High-grade glioma brain tumours
* Low-grade glioma brain tumours
*
Chemotherapy for brain tumours
* Pituitary gland tumours
* Meningioma
* Children’s Brain Tumours
* Facts and Figures
If you would prefer to have a paper copy of the leaflets sent to you, this is also possible. Please contact us via the website or by telephoning, stating which chapter(s) you would like and your address.
Or alternatively you can read the individual chapters online by clicking the links below.
To download the chapters individually, please right click the link you would like and select “Save Target As” to save the file onto your own computer.
If you would prefer to have a paper copy of the leaflets sent to you, this is also possible. Please contact us via the website or by telephoning, stating which chapter(s) you would like and your address.
July 23, 2009
Posted in: Information
If you have a general enquiry of any kind, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
You can either use the form below, or alternatively you can contact Brain Tumour Action on the following phone number:
* 0131 466 3116 – General contact and Befriender
Or at our address:
* Brain Tumour Action
25 Ann Street
Edinburgh
EH4 1PL
If you have a general enquiry of any kind, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
You can either use the form below, or alternatively you can contact Brain Tumour Action on the following phone number:
* 0131 466 3116 – General contact and Befriender
Or at our address:
* Brain Tumour Action
25 Ann Street
Edinburgh
EH4 1PL
July 23, 2009
Posted in: Contact Us
There are many ways in which you can help us to continue our mission to help those suffering from what can often be life-shattering illness, as well as their friends and families. From writing us a cheque, to a sponsored hill walk; from holding a raffle at the next office party to getting involved in running the charity itself, however small or large, your contribution is always well spent.
Please follow the links to find out more.
Donate
Fundraise
Volunteer
Rent a date for charity
Join Us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Home
Charity Number: SC 021490There are many ways in which you can help us to continue our mission to help those suffering from what can often be life-shattering illness, as well as their friends and families. From writing us a cheque, to a sponsored hill walk; from holding a raffle at the next office party to getting involved in running the charity itself, however small or large, your contribution is always well spent.
Please follow the links to find out more.
Donate
Fundraise
Volunteer
Rent a date for charity
Join Us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Home
Charity Number: SC 021490There are many ways in which you can help us to continue our mission to help those suffering from what can often be life-shattering illness, as well as their friends and families. From writing us a cheque, to a sponsored hill walk; from holding a raffle at the next office party to getting involved in running the charity itself, however small or large, your contribution is always well spent.
Please follow the links to find out more.
Donate
Fundraise
Volunteer
Rent a date for charity
Join Us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Home
Charity Number: SC 021490
There are many ways in which you can help us to continue our mission to help those suffering from what can often be life-shattering illness, as well as their friends and families. From writing us a cheque, to a sponsored hill walk; from holding a raffle at the next office party to getting involved in running the charity itself, however small or large, your contribution is always well spent.
Please follow the links to find out more.
Charity Number: SC 021490
July 23, 2009
Posted in: What Can I Do?
