Bake Off star's bravery will help others says charity

Saturday 12 September 2015

A local charity says celebrities are helping Islanders cope with the life-changing and sometimes isolating effects of a brain tumour diagnosis.

This week Great British Bake Off star Sue Perkins revealed she’s living with a non-cancerous tumour in her pituitary gland that means she can’t have children.

The 45 year-old presenter was diagnosed with prolactinoma eight years ago and says living with the condition can be a challenge.

Kevin Pamplin from the Jersey Brain Tumour Charity said: “Many of the patients we work with tell us that they fell they are the only ones, so her openness is a step forward for the many Islanders who cope every day with the impact of a brain tumour diagnosis.

“We also know that many of our patients feel isolated and reluctant to speak out about their experiences. It is a frightening one for everyone connected, from the moment you are told the news.”

Kevin said people watching Sue present the BBC’s hit baking show wouldn’t have any idea that she was living with a tumour or that Martin Kemp was when he was performing in the Island at Legends In the Park this summer.

Kevin said: “Her honesty about her life changes will, we know, help others to lose their fear of talking about the disease. That’s where we can step in to offer support both emotional and practical.”

The Jersey charity was set up two years ago by Sue May who found little support available on the Island when she suffered a brain tumour.

Sue’s brain tumour turned out to be benign and she’s now working with a team of more than fifty volunteers offering practical, emotional and financial support to around 20 patients and their families. They give patients help at home and help them get out and about when they are unable to drive. The charity also runs a pop-in centre in town on the first floor of 60 Halkett Place that is open every day to support Islanders diagnosed with brain tumours.

Sue said: “I think the news about Sue Perkins just raises awareness and shows it could happen to anybody. One of the big things is that everyone seems absolutely fine but they can still be struggling. There are a number of people out there hiding behind closed doors.

"Even though you can have a very good recovery, everybody is different afterwards, you are not going to have the same life you had before."