WHY SUPPORT IMPERIAL HEALTH CHARITY 'I hope others like me can benefit from vital research'

Amother diagnosed with a rare brain tumour says she hopes patients with similar conditions will benefit from vital research led by experts at Charing Cross Hospital.

Nancy Carter-Bradley is currently receiving treatment for a very rare brain tumour called an astrocytoma. She wants to raise awareness of the condition and support pioneering research that could save lives in the future.

Nancy, 47, has generously donated thousands of pounds from a crowdfunding campaign to help us support brain tumour research at Charing Cross. Her gift will be used to fund a research practitioner post, helping the hospital's cancer team drive forward new clinical trials.

"I really hope this money will make a big difference - and that other people like me can benefit from vital research in the future," said Nancy, a mother of two who lives in Hampshire. "Anything we can do to alleviate people's suffering has to be a positive thing."

Nancy's condition was first diagnosed back in 2005 and she has pursued various treatments over the last 18 years. As well as exhausting chemotherapy, the condition also affects her vision and balance - and sadly doctors have told her the tumour is inoperable. Although doctors aren't able to remove her tumour, Nancy is optimistic that a new technology already being used to treat other types of brain cancer could significantly extend her life. She is currently taking part in a nine-month study led by experts in Switzerland, which involves wearing special headgear that uses electrodes to target and destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells.

For the last decade Nancy has been receiving outstanding care and treatment from Clinical Oncologist Matt Williams and his team at Charing Cross Hospital. Their incredible care and support has helped to stabilise her condition and improve her quality of life.

Now Nancy hopes continued research into these rare tumours will make sure many more patients who are diagnosed with brain cancer are able to live longer, happier lives in the future.

"Matt and his team have given my family and me such fantastic care and support over the last 10 years," said Nancy.

"I have always felt I was in such safe hands.

"I wanted to make sure my donation went directly to support their incredible work so that they can continue helping other people who are living with rare brain tumours."

Nancy initially began her crowdfunding campaign to help her afford the pioneering 'Optune' treatment, which isn't currently available for her type of tumour. But after she was invited to take part in the trial, she chose to donate the funds to support vital research at Charing Cross.