With less than two weeks until Christmas Day, it’s easy to get swept away by a tide of stocking fillers, fun events and festive food. But when we strip it all back, what really matters is time spent with those we love.
This Christmas, families affected by brain tumours are sharing what the season means to them and why your support of Brain Tumour Research matters so much.
Now aged four, Molly is at pre-school and continues to live with the lasting effects of both the cancer and its treatment. She has global development delay, high-frequency hearing loss, wears a hearing aid, and is undergoing speech and language therapy.
“We’ve watched her battle through more in her short life than many adults ever do. She’s strong, cheeky, and full of life. But we now face a lifetime of challenges and uncertainty,” said Molly’s mum, Corinne.
“If we want children like Molly to have a real future, we need better research, better treatment options, and more hope. That’s why I’m supporting Brain Tumour Research’s Christmas Appeal. If you can, make a donation. Every pound helps fund the breakthroughs our children so desperately need.”
Sean Lowe has already received the perfect gift as he and his wife, Yasmin, have welcomed their second baby boy. Little Cody’s arrival is set to make this Christmas – the second since 33-year-old Sean was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma – even more special.
Sean, who is also a doting dad to three-year-old Kailan, said: “This year feels meaningful. After everything that’s happened and welcoming our baby, I feel so grateful. Supporting Brain Tumour Research’s Christmas Appeal is my way of giving back, to help ensure others have the same chance I did. Every donation really does make a difference.”
Two years ago, Alex Costa-Viega spent Christmas in hospital, after undergoing two surgeries for a medulloblastoma. Now under routine monitoring, Alex has faced multiple complications from his treatment. He uses a wheelchair and wears a prism to aid his vision.
This December, Alex’s family is reflecting on how far they have come. His mum, Melanie, said: “People think once the treatment ends it’s over, but it’s not. There’s still a long road ahead. We met some children on the hospital ward who are no longer here. We count our blessings every day.
“We still need more answers and more research. There are only three options, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and they are far too harsh for children. Other countries are developing kinder treatments, and the UK must catch up.
“This time of year feels extra special because we have Alex with us, and we want to do everything we can to help fund the research that could one day save more children’s lives.”
By donating £5 to our Christmas Appeal, you will help give hope to families such as Molly’s, Alex’s and Sean’s. Your support will help us continue funding research at our Centres of Excellence, drive progress towards new treatments and cures, and strengthen our campaigning for greater levels of national investment in research into brain tumours.
Together we will bring hope to families this Christmas.
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