"Unique" website launched by Uckfield woman and her friend

By ajthompson

A "UNIQUE" project has been launched by an Uckfield woman and her friend after the loss of a loved one to a brain tumour.

When the 22-year-old daughter of Andrew McGill died in 2006 from the highest grade of brain tumour, he decided to raise more awareness about the condition.

He teamed up with friend Natalya Jagger, of Vernon Road, to raise funds and help with the emotional and informational needs of families in a similar situation.

Mr McGill, from Norfolk, said of his daughter: "Rose was a popular young woman with a bright future ahead of her when her symptoms started.

"She received excellent care and treatment from The Walton Centre, Liverpool, and Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology on the Wirral, but, sadly, it was all to no avail." In 2007 Mr McGill and Miss Jagger decided to start raising money for the oncology unit where Rose was treated, under the name of Rose Buddies, and have gathered £10,000 to date.

Now they have launched a full website giving information to families in a similar situation called Brain Tumour Buddies, which was officially launched on Sunday.

Miss Jagger said: "The original intention was to provide some awareness and fundraising for brain tumours sufferers.

"However, I felt that a lot more was needed in terms of understanding what brain tumours are, how and where they are treated as well as many of the practical aspects of care and support that is available in the UK." The site, which went live at the start of national Brain Tumour Awareness Month, is the only one of its kind in the UK.

Miss Jagger said: "Information on the new website may give hope to others who find themselves trying to deal with the diagnosis of a high grade brain tumour and they can now find answers to their questions all in one place."

Doctor Helen Bulbeck, director of UK brain tumour charity Brainstrust, has seen the site and said it "helps people from the point of diagnosis".

She added: "Brain Tumour Buddies is quite the most informative website I have seen for patients who are afflicted with a high grade brain tumour.

"It's a beacon in the darkness."

To see the Brain Tumour Buddies website visit our links page at www.thisissussex.co.uk/links