Brain Tumour Research

Raising money for Brain Tumour Research

Story

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Brain Tumour Research is looking to find a cure as well as campaigning to increase the amount of investment that is given to its research.

There are over 120 different types of brain tumour, ranging from grades 1 - 4, and what causes them is still unknown. There are roughly 16,000 people diagnosed with a Brain Tumour every year in the UK alone, and there are an estimated number of 60,000+ people living with a brain tumour.

Here at Mercator Digital we are divided into Houses - Gerardus, Atlas and Globe. Each year a charity is chosen by the members of the House. This year Gerardus voted for Brain Tumour Research. The following is an account from a Gerardus employee:

I'm one of the lucky ones as mine is deemed a low grade brain tumour, called an Acoustic Neuroma. However, it was causing fluid build up in my brain which wasn't able to disperse, so my first surgery 2 weeks after diagnosis, was to have a shunt fitted into my head to let the fluid drain away. I had a 3.5cm tumour. Surgeons managed to remove 95% of it but the remaining amount is wrapped round my facial nerve so they decided to leave this. Although my AN is a slow growing tumour, it has an impact on daily life. Before my operation, my balance was awful and I suffered everyday with dizziness and sickness. As a result of the shunt and op, my balance is so much better as is the dizziness and sickness, however, I have been left deaf in my right ear, I am unable to cry from my right eye and can't taste anything. Neuro fatigue can also be an issue.

My Neuro Surgeon is amazing and I will forever be grateful for what my team managed to do for me (3 surgeons), but speaking to them I understand how little is known about brain tumours and how important it is that they keep raising awareness and continue the research. Brain Tumour Research have been a great help to me, mentally as well as physically, and I made it my promise to give something back to help make a difference in raising money and offering support to other sufferers.

To support our colleague in her endeavours, in 2024 Gerardus will be taking on a series of challenges to raise money. These will range from Fire Walks to abseiling, tough mudders to 75 Day Hard Challenges. We would very much like your support for this cause. We understand that times are hard, but any amount you can give would be so appreciated.