**** For people who are purchasing artwork from the Rothes Halls, using the QR code, please add your donation through this just giving page via the QR code in the gallery. On the messages area, can you add the name and number of the artwork you are purchasing. Show the proof of purchase on Just Giving on your phone to the person at the desk in the Rothes Halls who will then give you a red dot to place on the artwork you’ve purchased in the gallery to show the piece is sold. ***** You can collect your artwork at the Rothes Halls on the 23rd of January 2025, if you want it earlier, for Xmas etc, let Pam know and she will arrange collection at a time to suit you. ****

I’m organising an art exhibition with all of my pieces of art for sale, the money raised will go to my favourite charity Brainstrust - brain cancer charity. My artwork will be on packs of greetings cards too, for sale in various locations local to me for the charity.

Why art? Part of my role in the mental health field was running art, craft and glass engraving classes. I now practice what I used to preach, art keeps me well and gets me through life with ill health. I was unfortunately diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour in 2012. As if that wasn’t enough, in 2013 I was also diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I lived my life going from scan to scan, watching the tumour slowly growing. In 2018 it was time to operate and remove as much of the brain tumour as was safely possible, while awake! My oligodendroglioma Grade 2 was on my parietal lobe, temporal lobe and motor strip. If I hadn’t been awake during the operation I could’ve woken up unable to use or even recognise the left side of my body. Brainstrust recommended my surgeon to me and him and his team were amazing. I had confidence in their ability which helped get through the operation while awake. I even told them not to put me to sleep while they closed up my brain and skull. I was so glad I did as I wasn’t groggy and was completely aware of what was going on for my husband and daughter coming in to see me. The CEO of Brainstrust came to see me a few days after the operation in London, she’s a true gem! I can’t thank them enough for all the help and guidance they have given me, at diagnosis, through to the operation and beyond. Unfortunately, the tumour is starting to grow again. I was told before the craniotomy brain operation by my neurosurgeon that it would start growing again at around the 5 year mark and this was exactly what happened. I will live the rest of my life living from scan to scan, there is no cure for this type of tumour. I still have radiotherapy and chemotherapy as ammunition when the time is right.

Support and fantastic fundraising efforts ensures that brainstrust can deliver vital services to support the brain tumour community. Thanks to you, we are able to operate our 24/7 helpline and personalised coaching services 365 days a year. To reach as many people as possible during this isolating period, we are regularly hosting a variety of essential and informative online workshops which can be accessed through our website: brainstrust.org.uk.