[Insert your name: e.g. Lucy] goes Bandanas for Brain Tumours
with [explanation of event e.g. 12 hour Zumbathon]
[Your name e.g. Lucy Swift] of [area and town e.g. Thornbury, South Gloucestershire] is organising a [description of event e.g. sponsored swim] to show [his/her] support for brain tumour patients and their families. The event is being planned in support of ‘Bandanas for Brain Tumours Day’ on March 4, when people from all over the country wear bandanas to raise awareness and funds for Brain Tumour Support, the charity dedicated to specialist support for anyone affected by any type of brain tumour.
[Lucy] is hoping that people will [e.g. sponsor her/attend/support/take part] in her [type of event] which will take place at [name of venue and location] at [time] on [date e.g. March 2]. [She/he] hopes that the event will [what would you like it to achieve e.g. raise a certain amount of money, raise awareness of brain tumours and the life-changing effects that a diagnosis brings, etc].
[Lucy] says: ["Add quote here e.g. I was inspired to support the Bandanas for Brain Tumours campaign because ...... You could add some information about why Brain Tumour Support or support for brain tumour patients and families is important to you and why you would love people to support your event. This is where you can have your say!].
This is the fourth year in which Brain Tumour Support has run its bandana campaign during March, which is designated Brain Tumour Awareness Month. The charity aims to increase understanding of brain tumours and their life-changing effects on patients and families. They aim to ensure that no-one facing a brain tumour diagnosis alone and without appropriate information and support. To do this they need to raise vital funds to enable more people to access their help and advice.
Alongside taking part in fundraising events people can show their support by wearing a bandana - either their own and making a small donation, or by buying one of the charity's specially designed bandanas which are available online. In previous years celebrities such asstylist Gok Wan, Falklands hero Simon Weston, popular actor Ben Miller, the casts of Wicked, with Steven Pinder, and Happy Days with Cheryl Baker and Heidi Range, have all worn bandanas to show their backing for the campaign.
Monies raised will enable Brain Tumour Support to reach out to more brain tumour patients, their families, carers and loved ones. Whilst demand for its support is growing each year the charity receives no statutory funding and relies solely on voluntary donations to raise the funds it needs to provide its services.
Every year some 16,000 people in the UKwill be diagnosed with a brain tumour. Brain tumours are now the second most common cause of death from cancer in under 40’s and the most common solid tumour found in children, having overtaken leukaemia as the biggest killer of children in the UK.
"There is no clear cause and no cure. Some brain tumours can now be treated or controlled by surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but even those who are lucky enough to survive are likely to experience life changing effects, both physical and emotional." explainsTina Mitchell Skinner, Chief Executive of Brain Tumour Support, who founded the charity in 2003 after she lost her husband Paul to a brain tumour, when he was aged just 37.
It was from experiencing the lack of support available during Paul's illness that inspired Tina to start providing help, initially just from her living room. The charity now runs 13 support groups across the South West and Midlands.
"Our team, which includes specialist Brain Tumour SupportWorkers and counsellors, is there to help all those who are affected, withpractical guidance, emotional support, information about treatment, help coping with bereavement and much more, for as long as we are needed." adds Tina.
"For example, we have been working with a family who lost their eight year old son without warning to a brain tumour last year; we are supporting a 17 year old who is coming to terms with his dream of university being over because his brain tumour has affected his abilities to manage day to day activities and we are there for people whose brain tumour diagnoses means that they have had to give up their job or driving or who suddenly suffer epilepsy which is a frequent side effect." adds Tina.
"We are asking everyone if they would spare a thought - and a pound - next month for those whose lives have changed because of a brain tumour and to show their support by wearing a bandana on March 4 or supporting a bandana-themed fund-raising event like [Lucy's]".
The special charity bandanas can be ordered from Brain Tumour Support through their website or by calling the fundraising team on 01454 414355. The charity also has downloadable information packs available for individuals, schools, groups, clubs and other organisations who want to fundraise and PR materials to help businesses spread the word of their involvement.
More information on the Bandanas for Brain Tumours Day can also be found at:
Ends.
For further information please contact:
[Your name, telephone number(s) and email address]
or
Helen Silverthorn, Brain Tumour Support
Tel: 01454 414355 or email:
Date of issue: [add the date you send out here]