British Airways cabin crew swapped the skies for the stage to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.
Inspired by her sister and aunt, who both have brain tumours, 23-year-old Lauren Humphreys nominated Brain Tumour Research as one of three charities benefitting from the festive production of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Lauren, from Wolverhampton, has worked for British Airways Cabin Crew Entertainment Society (BACCES) for two years – and was one of 15 dancers in the ensemble performing in the show from the 27th November until 1st December. She dedicated her performance to her aunt and sister who have both been diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Kylah (left) and Lauren (centre) with their sister Amelia
The family’s first encounter of the disease was in 2010 when Lauren's aunt, Jo Street, from Shropshire, was given a life-changing meningioma diagnosis. And then, last year, Lauren’s younger sister, 19-year-old Kylah, was diagnosed with a pituitary tumour following two years of unexplained symptoms including fatigue and weight gain. Lauren said: “I was only young, but I remember visiting my auntie in hospital. It wasn’t until I grew older that I understood more about brain tumours.
“When Kylah was diagnosed, we never expected to be told it was due to a tumour. She’s been great at getting on with things and, thankfully, her type of tumour is being treated with medicine.”
Other beneficiaries of Lauren’s magical performance were Alzheimer’s Society and Mama to Mama, a baby bank for vulnerable parents and caregivers in Kent. Running at the Beck Theatre in Hayes, London, Lauren said of their Jack and the Beanstalk performance: “I’ve met crew past and present who all share the same love of performing arts. It’s been surprisingly easy to juggle rehearsals and training, as I’m someone who loves to be on the go.
“Being able to do this for my family is my way of doing something for my auntie and sister who have both gone through so much.”
If you’ve been inspired by Lauren’s selflessness and creativity, find out how you can fundraise your own way.
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Published Monday 9th December 2024.