South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2006 | March | 3
From the archive, first published Friday 3rd Mar 2006.
ALVESTON-based brain tumour charity Hammer Out is joining forces with similar organisations throughout the UK to promote awareness of the disease.
"We want people experiencing the shock and bewilderment of a brain tumour diagnosis to know that they are not alone and that there are others to whom they can turn," said Tina Mitchell, who set up the charity in memory of her husband
Paul, a keen sportsman and West Ham supporter who lost his life to the condition three years ago aged just 37.
"This is the third year running that we're waging the awareness campaign with other related charities up and down the country. We're a founder member of the United Brain Tumour Campaign, bringing together 10 charities with a common aim of providing information and support, funding research into the causes, advancing treatments and finding a cure."
Tina said the charities would be particularly vocal this year on the subject of treatment.
"The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is poised to deny brain tumour patients access to carmustine implants and temozolomide, two ground-breaking drugs in brain tumour treatment," she told the Gazette.
"They are not a cure but they can have a positive effect on a patient's quality of life."
She said her husband had taken temozolomide and the drug had lengthened his life and improved its quality.
"He only got the drug because he had a recurrent tumour but it enabled him to see our son John grow up," she said. "John was five when Paul died and if it had happened sooner he would not have had the same memories of his father.
"At the moment NICE has simply got it wrong."
She said brain tumour charities would continue to campaign for the treatments to be available throughout the UK on the NHS.
The prognosis for children with brain tumours was also poor, said Tina.
Those cured were often left with side effects which could result in significant neurological and physical disabilities for the rest of their lives.
The apparent low incidence means the brain tumour community - not just patients but also carers, professionals and scientists - are poorly supported and funding for support and research is largely dependent on charities.
Hammer Out, which provides support for sufferers across the South West and Wales, is now organising a series of local events and fundraising activities in the area.
"We're hoping people will get behind us and help make a real difference in the brain tumour community," said Tina.
"It's a devastating disease which affects around 400 people in our local area. We are always endeavouring to increase awareness as there are still sufferers who are unaware of the support we can offer them, their families and friends."
Events to raise money for the joint initiative include:
* Sunday, March 12 (2.30pm): Family Car Treasure Hunt at Jubilee Hall, Alveston. Refreshments available after the event.
* Saturday, March 18 (7.30pm): Anything Goes charity concert with Ensemble Champagne String Quartet at Kingswood School Theatre, Lansdown, Bath. Tickets from 01225 314174
* Friday, March 24: Quiz Night at St Mary's Church Hall, Thornbury.
* Thursday, March 30 (6.15pm): Fashion Show at John Lewis, The Mall, Cribbs Causeway.
* From March 1: Hammer Out awareness Quiz available
For further information on any of the above events contact the Hammer Out office on 01454 414355, email info@hammerout.co.uk or visit www.hammerout.co.uk
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