The mum of a woman who campaigned fiercely to raise awareness of brain tumours before her untimely death from the disease has published a book to “keep her memory alive”.
Nicola Nuttall’s book, The Stars Will Still Be There: A memoir of what my daughter taught me about love, life and loss, is published today (9th May). It documents her daughter Laura’s brain tumour journey, her bucket list adventures and her inspirational campaigning that touched people around the world.
Laura was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) – the most aggressive type of brain tumour – in 2018 following a routine eye test. Despite being given a prognosis of just 12 months, she dedicated her time to raising awareness of the devastating disease alongside ticking off an impressive bucket list, which included meeting Michelle Obama, commanding a Navy ship and graduating from the University of Manchester.
Laura died on 22nd May 2023, aged just 23.
Nicola, from Lancashire, said: “I’d written 75% of the book before Laura died but when I began writing it, I dreamt of it being a different story with a happier ending. The book is written for ordinary families like ours because this disease can affect anyone and I want people to be aware that your life can change in an instant.
“It’s a book is for those affected by brain tumours and for those who haven’t been affected too. It is about life lessons and what we can all learn from Laura.”
The family has continued Laura’s campaign work and her legacy, the Be More Laura Foundation, has made grants and donations of £85,000 to research projects.
Earlier this year, Nicola helped to deliver our petition to Downing Street, calling for increased Government funding into brain tumour research.
Nicola said: “Laura showed me how important it is to live for the moment and to make the most of a bad situation. I could say that this has all been so unfair but I don’t because Laura didn’t ever say that. She only ever felt sorry for others affected by a brain tumour – never herself.
“That is why my work to raise awareness will continue. We must pursue better, kinder treatments. The current underfunding for research affects everyone.”
Nicola's book is available to purchase now on Amazon.
You can help us get a step closer to finding a cure for all types of brain tumours by making a donation, taking on a challenge or campaigning with us.
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