With Brain Tumour Awareness Month about to begin, it is apt to return to the old adage that people can't support a cause (or a charity) unless they know it exists. That is why our team works tirelessly, imaginatively and with passion in the build-up to, and the delivery of, 'our' month. There are many ways to take part – and many ways to get others involved too. Please support us and share our message, because the more who know, the louder our voice!
First up, please join us on Saturday 1ˢᵗ March at 7:30pm to #ShineALight for all those affected by brain tumours by lighting a candle and sharing a photo on social media. Hundreds of you took part last year, including our Patron Alfie Boe OBE (pictured), and this year will be bigger – keep an eye on social media to see if one of your favourite celebrities is 'Shining a Light' and joining our community.
At 11.00am on Monday 3ʳᵈ March (the first working day of the month), we will hold a minute’s silence to mark the start of the month.
This moment of remembrance is held every year and is an opportunity to pause, reflect and show our respect for all those lost to brain tumours.
Please observe this poignant moment wherever you are and help us pay tribute to all those affected by this devastating disease.
The Brain Tumour Research office will host the minute’s silence virtually for our entire team and we have been honoured when supporters and our researchers have joined us in previous years – with many sharing their personal recollections, inspirations and hopes.
We are inviting you to join us again in 2025. If you would like to be a part of the community on Zoom from 10:45am to 11:15am on Monday 3ʳᵈ March, please email Hugh and he will send you the Zoom link. The deadline to email is midnight on Sunday 2ⁿᵈ March.
Click here to find out more about the month, including 'Light Up The UK' and of course the iconic, premier fundraising day for brain tumours - Wear A Hat Day which is Friday 28ᵗʰ March. Don't forget there is still time to book a seat to join us at The Dorchester on 13ᵗʰ March for our Gala Dinner Event – you'll be in good company – click here to find out more. The deadline to buy tickets is Wednesday 5ᵗʰ March at 5:00pm.
A new UK Collaborative for Cancer Clinical Research (UKCCCR) has been launched to provide coordination across different types of cancer research, maximising opportunities to unlock innovation and growth.
Hosted by the Association of Medical Research Charities, of which Brain Tumour Research is a proud member, the Collaborative will support charities to convene expertise from across the cancer research landscape, to identify strategic priorities and cross-cutting areas of unmet need.
“Charities provide two thirds of public investment in cancer research in the UK. The UK Collaborative for Cancer Clinical Research, hosted by the AMRC, will support cancer charities in bringing together their clinical research communities and making connections. The Collaborative will also help to identify joint priorities, tackle shared challenges and maximise opportunities for innovation.”
– Nicola Perrin, Chief Executive of the AMRC.
The AMRC has agreed to host the secretariat for the Collaborative, in a role funded as part of the Government’s Cancer Healthcare Goals Programme.
For more information, click here.
The Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Brain Tumours, for which Brain Tumour Research provides the secretariat, held its first meeting of 2025 on Thursday 20ᵗʰ February, bringing together experts to discuss some of the pressing challenges for the brain tumour community in Scotland. The Group’s Convener, Beatrice Wishart MSP is pictured above at the launch of our Scottish Centre.
Professor Anthony Chalmers, Chair of Clinical Oncology at the University of Glasgow and Co-Director of the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, opened the discussion by addressing the difficulties in treating glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
Prof Chalmers highlighted the chronic underfunding of brain tumour research, describing it as a "high-risk, low-reward" area that struggles to attract commercial investment: "Despite the devastating impact of brain tumours, research funding remains disproportionately low compared to other cancers."
The discussion then turned to proton beam therapy (PBT), an advanced form of radiotherapy that targets tumours more precisely than traditional methods, minimising damage to healthy brain tissue. Prof Chalmers noted that while PBT offers significant benefits, particularly in preserving cognitive function, access remains limited. Both UK hospitals offering PBT are located in England, forcing Scottish patients to travel long distances for treatment.
Liam Mac Lua-Hodgson, representing The Brain Tumour Charity, emphasised the importance of early diagnosis in improving patient outcomes: "Faster diagnosis not only enhances quality of life but also prevents disability and improves tolerance to treatment." However, he noted that brain tumours are notoriously difficult to diagnose due to their vague and non-specific symptoms.
Alastair Ross, Head of Public Policy at the Association of British Insurers, addressed the challenges faced by patients holidaying abroad. Mr Ross advised patients to seek specialist travel insurance providers, rather than mainstream insurers, as costs are based on risk assessments that include destination and healthcare expenses: "Specialist providers are better equipped to cater to the unique needs of patients travelling for medical treatment."
As the CPG on Brain Tumours continues its work in 2025, the voices of patients, clinicians, researchers and advocates will remain at the forefront of efforts to drive change and improve outcomes for those affected by this devastating disease.
Last week we reported on the All Party Parliamentary Group on brain tumours (APPGBT) meeting held on 11ᵗʰ February. The minutes from the February meeting of the APPGBT have been drafted and they can be read here.
Finally, we have a team update. Evan moved on to pastures new at the end of last week. We will miss him and thank him for the impact he made while he was with us.
Good luck Evan.
Although we aren't currently recruiting yet for Evan's replacement (the advert will be posted very soon), if you are passionate, energetic, professional and hardworking, and you think you've got what it takes to help us achieve our mission, then we would welcome your application for any suitable vacancies we have listed here.
We hope you find a way to support Brain Tumour Awareness Month.
Together we will find a cure.
We are back next Friday – wishing you all a peaceful time until then.
Karen, Hugh and Thomas