13 December 2012

News & Mail

11

T is the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40. More than 8,500 people are diagnosed with a serious form of it every year 25 people every day. As many as 500 of these are children and young people. On average 25% of these will die. Thats one every three days. When faced with statistics like these, most people are shocked to discover that the disease in question is not lung or skin cancer, but brain tumours. That is why this year the News & Mail has launched its Christmas Gift of Hope Appeal to raise funds for The Brain Tumour Charity. Based in Farnborough, the 15-year-old charity has becoming a leading source of funding for high-quality, peer-reviewed brain tumour research, channelling more than 8 million into nding breakthroughs and ways to save lives. It also operates a vital support network for people aected by brain tumours, helping provide assistance and information for those coming to terms with the devastating disease. The Christmas Gift of Hope Appeal aims to help the charity hit its next 50,000 target over Christmas, in order to directly fund a new pioneering research project which could ultimately save lives.

GPs and hospital staff diagnosed migraines

by Amy Taylor and Nick Edmondson
CONFUSING the symptoms of a brain tumour with those of a migraine is a common but potentially lethal error. The Brain Tumour Charity, launched in 1996, was created in response to the devastating effects of such a mistake, when the family of Samantha Dickson lost their 16-year-old to terminal cancer. For months before her diagnosis in 1994, Samantha and her parents charity founders Neil and Angela were told by doctors that her constant headaches were caused by migraines, brought on by the pressures of being a busy teenager. By the time her tumour was diagnosed, she had less than three years left to live. It is a confusion that Sharon Greenway, from Hook, remembers all too vividly. Her son Alex was finally diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2010, after months of hearing the word migraine from GPs. I was having lots of headaches in 2010 and the doctor originally thought it was migraines, said Alex, now 12. Eventually I was referred to the hospital. They did their own test and said that it was migraines as well. He was sent back and forth to doctors, until finally being sent for an MRI scan in October 2010, when a tumour the size of a satsuma was found. I will always remember that day, said Sharon. I dont know how I drove home really, I dont remember it. I was just dazed and shocked. There is no way to describe the fear that you have when you hear something like that about your child. Then I took a moment and realised that this was something that you have to deal with. It has happened and we will have to face it head on. What was very scary was the fact that I didnt know anything about it. Then when I met people at the Brain Tumour Charity and spoke to them about the cancer I realised how many parents out there might be missing the signs. Alexs tumour had been growing undetected for three years by the time he went under the knife for life-saving surgery. I didnt really understand in Odiham, Alex is enjoying Thats what this research can help with as well, she added. it at first and it was weird to getting back into playing badAs a parent you ask, was it think that there was some- minton, though rugby is strictme? Could I have done anything growing in there, he ly off-limits. said. It was frightening when He will go for an MRI scan thing? With more research we can stop these questions I realised that I would have to every year until he is in his 20s, in the future. Its unbelievably have an operation and they but his story is a much happier important for families to would have to cut it out. I one than many. Sharon admits know the signs. Its not a likely didnt know what would hap- that despite the long waits and thing, but parents should be pen and I was scared. the fear of not having the anNow, two years on, Alex is swers, the family has been aware. We were lucky, but some tumour and cancer-free, the very lucky with the result. We still dont know why he parents and children wont only sign of his trauma a scar developed it thats important. be. on his head and the MRI scans as proof of the growth in his brain. I had never felt that feeling in my head before and it was strange to think of my head being Yes, I pledge to help change lives by making a donation opened up, so Im not surprised it hurt, 50 20 10 5 Other _________ he said. I have some problems with balance sometimes but I wish to donate by cheque I am much better. It was because they (made payable to The Brain Tumour Charity) had to operate on that part of my brain. We found out one I wish to donate by credit card of the early symptoms can be being Card Type: Visa Mastercard Maestro Visa Debit CAF cross eyed, which I was when I was four. Card Number: _______________________________ Now back at Robert Mays School

Donation Form

Alex Greenway, 12, with his mother Sharon. Alex has an x-ray of the brain tumour that he had removed. Picture: Nick Edmondson. (Ref: AN127638_3)

We need money to find a cure

WE just need money this is the plea from a mother who has raised more than 160,000 for brain cancer research in her sons memory. Brain cancer is indiscriminate, said Jeannette Bolt, who lost her 16-year-old, Alex, last May. He was really fit, really healthy, and suddenly struck down and died within a year. He looked completely incongruous in the hospital ward next to all these sick people, but it turned out he was the sickest person there. Since his death, Jeannette has become something of a champion for the Brain Tumour Charity, planning several events for the Alex Bolt fund every year, including coffee mornings, pamper evenings and gala dinners, and a fun run next year. We wanted to do something, and this seemed the right way to go forward. I feel like I have got my own charity without any of the admin costs. The problem with brain tumours is the symptoms are so diverse, we need to raise awareness of what could be a brain tumour so people see the doctor sooner. Since launching her sons fund a month after his death, she has raised 107,000, plus an extra 66,000 at a gala in November where cricketer

Start date:/ Exp date: / Issue No: Name Address Postcode Email Telephone Signature__________________________

HOPE

GIFT OF

The Christmas

Darren Gough was a guest. He heard about Alex through a mutual friend and decided to help us he really admired Alexs strength. For Jeannette, working with the Brain Tumour Charity is

her way of keeping Alexs memory alive, in the hope a cure will be found through research. I really hope and pray that one day it will be the case, she said. n To donate to our Gift of Hope campaign, text HOPE to 70123. You will be charged 5 plus one message at your standard network rate. The charity will receive 100% of your donation, excluding O2 customers where 99% will be received. By using this service, you agree that they may contact you in the future. If youd rather they didnt, text NOMORE to 70123.

Date___________

Complete this form and post it to: The Brain Tumour Charity, Hartshead House, 61-65 Victoria Rd, Farnborough, GU14 7PA. Registered Charity 1128354.

Make your donation worth 25% more!

I agree that The Brain Tumour Charity can claim Gift Aid on this and all the donations I have paid in the last four years and all donations I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise. I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for the current tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for the current tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every 1 that I have given.
Alex Bolt, who died in 2011 aged 16 of a brain tumour.
Please tick this box if you dont wish to be kept up-to-date with our work and how your donation is helping. We do not share your details with third parties.

Youll be hooked by this pantomime

PETER Pan has flown into Camberley Theatre this Christmas, bringing with it all the panto-land magic, music and mayhem that Camberley Theatre audiences have come to love from the theatres sparkling pantomimes. Starring singer-songwriter and actor Jassa Ahluwalia (Disney Junior Channel Art Attack) in the lead role as Peter Pan and Freya Copeland (Emmerdale) as Mrs Darling, this magical adventure is the perfect treat for all the family. Cheer on Peter, Wendy, John and Michael as they encounter Fairies, Red Indians, The Lost Boys, Mermaids, the dastardly Captain Hook and a ticking crocodile in hot pursuit! With enough laughs, songs

Festive Fun Facts

Celebrate now with Millers Ark Animals
MiLLers Ark Animals is once again delighted to announce its exciting Christmas programme at Manor Farm, just off the M3 junction 5 near Hook in Hampshire. Dates for Carols in the Barn, the much loved family Christmas event, are Sunday December 16 and Saturday December 22 at 11am. Come along and enjoy a good old sing-song of all your favourite carols and Christmas songs, whilst staff and animals keep you entertained. Includes a free mince pie! Tickets must be bought in advance at 6 per person. These will all be followed by Santa Special Open Days in the afternoon!! See our website for more exciting details! Santa Express rides all afternoon and loads more fun. We are also open on Sunday December 23 from 12.30pm to 4pm. Millers Arks Magical Living Nativities by lantern light will be held on selected dates on weekday evenings in December. Journey with Mary and Joseph around the farm as they look for a place to stay, and then join them around the manger with all of the animals. A wonderful interactive experience for all. Tickets which include a hot supper must be bought in advance at 14 per person. Dont miss this opportunity to join the Millers Ark team at Manor Farm, Blackstocks Lane, Hook for Christmas cheer. To book, please call the office on 01256 767596. and dancing to sink a pirate ship, Peter Pan is set to thrill audiences of all ages, featuring the traditional elements of J M Barries original story, intertwined with all the pantomime features you know and love, and plenty of audience participation! Peter Pan and his friends will be popping up across Surrey during the Christmas season! Captain Hook, Smee and Tiger Lily will be stopping to say hello to everyone at Jakes Playzone in Bagshot from 11am to noon on Saturday December 15. Meanwhile all the cast will be at Panto in the Park on Wednesday December 19 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at London Road Recreation Ground.

Advertising Feature

Camberley Theatre presents Peter Pan this festive season. Mrs Darling will be hosting Story Telling Time at Camberley Library on Thursday December 20 from 2pm to 2.30pm and Wendy Darling will be doing the same at Farnham Library on Friday December 21 from 11am to noon. Peter Pan runs until January 5 2013 and prices start at 15.95, plus group and family ticket deals. Box office: 01276 707600 or www.camberleytheatre.biz.

Millers Ark Animals has an exciting Christmas programme.

The Camberley Theatre presents JM Barries

Sat 8 Dec 2012 Sat 5 Jan 2013

JASSA AHLUWALIA
(Disney Junior Art Attack)

by arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Childrens Charity and Samuel French Limited

Starring

as Peter Pan

FREYA COPELAND
as Mrs Darling
(Emmerdale)

Be our guest at Beauty panto

BEAUTY & The Beast runs until Sunday December 30. Fabulous sets, stunning costumes, fantastic dancers, a great script and wonderful cast come together to make this a truly magical production. Excellent songs, music and dance numbers, and an unforgettable friendly atmosphere all go into making the Princes Hall pantomime a great family Christmas tradition. Aldershots favourites Robert Hopkins and Donovan Christian-Cary are back for another knock-out pantomime and lead a reunited and strong artistic team. Beauty & The Beast is Roberts 19th consecutive pantomime at the venue as producer and director, alongside the talented James Barry as writer. This year will also mark Donovan Christian Carys ninth consecutive show. Edward Haversham, marketing and box office manager at the Princes Hall, said: We are all very excited that this years magical production will reunite so many well known faces from previous Princes Hall pantomimes. Tickets have been selling since January, so people need to secure their tickets sooner rather than later! Tickets are only 15.50 for children and seniors, and 16.50 for adults, plus discounts are available for groups. Call the box office on 01252 329 155 or visit www.princeshall.com to book seats.

Join us for an awfully big adventure this Christmas

JAMES DINSMORE
as Captain Hook

Box Ofce 01276 707600 Book online www.camberleytheatre.biz

Camberley Theatre, Knoll Road, Camberley GU15 3SY

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