Charity secures funding to support its work in Wales

Brain Tumour Support works with families from the earliest days post-diagnosis for as long as they need, and delivers bespoke support with all aspects of how to cope with the reality of living with a brain tumour.

For over 20 years, the charity has worked with brain tumour patients and their carers and loved ones to help them negotiate the many practical and emotional challenges that exist. It has a team of Support Professionals in regions across the UK to offer assistance one-to-one and in groups, both in person and online.

Now, to help Brain Tumour Support extend its support to as many people as possible in Wales, the charity is partnering with law firm Slater and Gordon. The law firm will fund the role of Gavin Davies, the country’s designated Support Professional.

“Being diagnosed with a brain tumour is absolutely devastating for whole families and it is so important that they can access support during these very traumatic times,” says Bridget Dowty, communications lead at Brain Tumour Support.

“The support we offer is truly personalised and extends across a person’s whole circle of family, loved ones and carers, as a brain tumour diagnosis affects everyone. Support can also mean different things to different people – for some, they may only want to be contacted by text, but for others, they may want to join an in-person group or have a community visit.

“Our team of Support Professionals do a fantastic job, and in Wales, Gavin is brilliant. Despite the fact he has a vast area to cover, and a growing number of people who seek his help, he is able to build brilliant relationships and help whole families through the most awful times. We are so grateful to Slater and Gordon for their support in sustaining this position, and for backing our service in Wales.”

Through the partnership, Slater and Gordon will deliver training and education for Brain Tumour Support’s staff and in-person groups, as well as hosting legal clinics for anyone involved in the service.

Lorraine O’Brien, Principal Lawyer and Team Leader based in Cardiff at Slater and Gordon, says: “Hearing those words ‘brain tumour’ can be utterly terrifying and devastating in equal measure, and the world of a patient and their family can be turned on its head in an instant. The fact there is such amazing and bespoke support out there as that from Brain Tumour Support is truly a lifeline for people when they need it most.

“We are very pleased to partner with this charity and specifically to help its work in Wales, an area where regional support can be difficult to access and the ability to have a single point of contact in Gavin for advice or assistance is hugely welcome. Our team look forward to working with the team at Brain Tumour Support in continuing their life-changing work.”