Charity hosts Jersey's first ever brain tumour conference

Friday 30 September 2016

A local charity is holding a big conference today to raise awareness of a brain tumour patient's journey from the time they get diagnosed, and how they go about rebuilding their lives.

The Jersey Brain Tumour Charity are hosting the conference at the Royal Yacht Hotel all day today and hope to get more healthcare professionals working together to offer more support to patients here.

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

Sue’s 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. 

Sue will be talking about her own personal journey at the conference and this afternoon ten of the charity's brain tumour patients will be taking part in workshops, sharing their experiences with delegates.

Sue said: "The idea to do a conference has always been part of our ongoing strategy and we are thankful to be hosting the event supported by the Jersey Association of Cancer Nurses.

“Through our experience of helping Islanders, with both malignant and benign brain tumours, we are aware of the gaps in both knowledge and support in Jersey. We are urging everyone who has a part to play in the local health and social services delivered locally to attend and hear what we and our key speakers have to say.

“We are honoured to have as our main key speaker respected top London based neurosurgeon Mr Neil Kitchen, who many islanders see for their surgery procedures. He is fully aware of the challenges out there and is supportive of the work we do supporting Islanders emotionally, practically and financially.

"With his support, knowledge and attendance alongside our other key speakers including Dr Howard Gibson, the Consultant Neurologist based here in Jersey, it shows the backing we have in trying to bring together better procedures and care for those who need it.

At the moment patients have to do a lot of travelling to the UK to see their surgeon and Sue hopes to see more of these appointments on-Island.

She said: “The Jersey Brain Tumour Charity continues to do its part in raising awareness and we are grateful of the support we have already received from the general public but we wish to work together with everyone including other charities and the Island's medical professionals to make sure the best possible service is provided for those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis and this conference is a golden opportunity in making this a reality.”