Give hope with every donation this Christmas 

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. While Christmas is traditionally a season of joy and celebration, we know that many families impacted by a brain tumour can find this time of year challenging. 

There is hope: more and more breakthroughs are getting us closer to a cure. But we can only say this because we’ve been funding sustainable and continuous research for the past 15 years!  

Not only will your donation help propel our work towards a cure for all types of brain tumours, but you’ll also be offering hope and support at this special time of year to others who’ve been affected by this devastating disease.

Only through research will we find a cure – but research costs money – and we need your help to keep funding it.  

Help fund game-changing research this Christmas 

We are incredibly grateful for the support shown to us already by so many in the brain tumour community.  

It is amazing how some families affected by brain tumours have turned their sorrow and grief into action and hope. You can see some inspiring examples below. 

Can you join them in taking action to support Brain Tumour Research this Christmas? The simplest and easiest action is to donate.  

Please donate £5 to support life-saving research*

*Whatever amount you can spare will help make a difference.

Institute of Cancer Research

Give regularly 

Could you make a small donation to us every month? This would be a wonderful Christmas present to Brain Tumour Research.  

If you are already a regular donor, would you consider increasing your gift by an extra £2 per month? That's less than a cup of coffee in the morning.  

We receive no funding from Government. What’s more, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.  

A stream of steady funds, such as regular giving from loyal supporters, gives us the confidence to invest in long-term research at our Centres of Excellence. It helps cover the costs of our scientists and clinicians, as well as supporting our ongoing campaigning to influence the UK Governments and larger cancer charities to invest more nationally. 

Please donate £5 a month to support life-saving research

Sorrow, anger, passion and hope

These families have all volunteered to share their stories with you as part of the Brain Tumour Research Christmas Appeal because they know all too well that one in three people in the UK knows someone affected by a brain tumour. Their stories show just how indiscriminate this disease is; how it can affect anyone at any age.  



Riley Thompson

Five-year-old Riley underwent successful surgery to remove a brain tumour that was detected after an eye exam, but the surgeons had to remove his right eye as well. Riley could have lost much more than an eye to this tumour. His family is determined to do their part to raise funds and awareness of the incredible importance of research into brain tumours, to help that ultimate goal of finding a life-saving cure for all types of brain tumours.

"I’m sharing Riley’s story to raise vital awareness and to stress how crucial early detection is. If you notice anything unusual with your child’s vision, seek medical advice!" - Riley’s mum, Nicole

Amanpal Uppal 

Amanpal died from a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) brain tumour, aged 37. Following his diagnosis in May 2021, the dad-of-two had an operation, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. His family fundraised thousands of pounds for private treatment but despite early positive results, he died just before Christmas in December 2022.

“I’m so angry the Government doesn’t recognise brain tumours as a critical priority, it’s ridiculous. Before he died, I promised my brother I would do something to try and help others who are fighting this devastating disease, so I support this charity any way I can". - Amanpal’s sister, Nikki   

Sam Suriakumar 

Doting husband and father Sam, a self-employed recruitment consultant and part-time musician, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in early 2020 after being taken ill on his commute home from work. The 39-year-old is now hoping to inspire others to ‘embrace the moment’ and make every day count. 

“I am determined to support this cause any way I can and proud that Brain Tumour Research has chosen me as one of its Ambassadors. I am absolutely astonished that so many people have really responded to my story – so far, I’ve helped raise more than £58,000 for research into brain tumours.”  - Sam Suriakumar

Lisa Flanagan

Lisa died from a brain tumour five years after diagnosis in March 2021, aged 50. Throughout her treatment, Lisa fundraised and campaigned with Brain Tumour Research. Since her death, her family is continuing to support the charity which was close to her heart. 

“It’s absolutely vital that the Government follows through on its promise to spend £40 million on research into brain tumours. It’s absurd that such a devastating disease isn’t getting the attention that it needs.” - Lisa’s husband, Simon  

If you are not able to donate, there are other ways you can support us. Click here for more ideas.

Our friendly Supporter Care team is also on hand to help you with questions you have about helping raise awareness. Email supportercare@braintumourresearch.org or call 01908 867200.