An Exmouth woman who has a brain tumour is campaigning to raise awareness of a charity that has given her invaluable support and understanding.
Jeanette Hackwell has also raised £30,000 for the charity, Brain Tumour Support, in gratitude for their help.
Through her fundraising she has met a large number of people who had also had a brain tumour but were not aware of the charity’s existence – and she wants to change that.
Jeanette received her shocking diagnosis a few years ago and initially did not know where to turn.
She told the Journal: “How would I cope, what did the future hold for me, were just two of the many questions that I asked myself – there were no answers, or so I thought.
“Then some kind person put Brain Tumour Support in touch with me with and they changed things for me. At last there was help available, not just for me but my family too. I was able to speak to people who not only understood my worries and mental welfare, but also helped me cope with life.
“The one-to-one support was available when needed, and at regular meetings it was also an opportunity of meeting others with a life threatening diagnosis - we could talk freely and ask questions with confidence. In other words, I discovered I was one of the lucky ones and that there was a reason to go on.
“I’m strong enough now to try and spread the word of this wonderful charity and raise funds so that the charity can give help and support to everyone who needs it.”
Shortly before Christmas Jeanette was part of a team of volunteers collecting for Brain Tumour Support at Tesco in Exmouth.
She said: “We were amazed at the number of people who said that they had one, knew someone who had had one in the past but didn’t realise Brain Tumour Support was there for them. They also were not aware of the fact that there are 120 different types of tumour, and that the South West has the highest number of diagnoses – frightening statistics.”
Jeanette said she wanted to thank the local branch of Santander for all their help with her fundraising and awareness raising campaign. She has also been helped by local businesses which have donated prizes for raffles, and the Terrace Bar at Exmouth Cricket Club where she has held several fundraising quizzes.
They have also been thanked by the CEO of Brain Tumour Support, Tina Mitchell Skinner. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to Santander in Exmouth for coming alongside our wonderful volunteer Jeanette, to raise such vital funds and awareness for our cause.
“When you or someone close to you receives a brain tumour diagnosis it is shocking news and brings home the stark reality that brain tumours can affect anyone at any time. The right support and practical help can make a crucial difference, and with an estimated 16,000 people diagnosed every year in the UK the demand for our specialist services is constantly growing.
“That’s why the fantastic work and generosity of supporters like Jeanette, Santander and the many other local businesses and individuals who have contributed, is so important to us. Without you we couldn’t do what we do. Thank you, your support really does make a difference.”
Brain Tumour Support can be contacted on 01454 422701 or via its website support@braintumoursupport.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here