'I hope others like me can benefit from vital brain tumour research'
'I hope others like me can benefit from vital brain tumour research'
28 November 2022
Nancy Carter-Bradley, who is currently receiving treatment for a very rare brain tumour called an astrocytoma, wants to raise awareness of the condition and support pioneering research that could help to improve patient care and 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. The donation will be used to fund a research practitioner post, helping the hospital’s oncology 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.”
"I really hope this money will make a big difference - and that others like me can benefit from vital research in the future."
Nancy Carter-Bradley
Nancy’s condition was first diagnosed back in 2005 and she has pursued various forms of treatment over the last 17 years. As well as exhausting chemotherapy, the condition also affects her vision and balance - and sadly doctors have told her the tumour is inoperable.
For the last decade Nancy has been receiving outstanding care and treatment from Clinical Oncologist Matt Williams and his team at Charing Cross, which has helped to stabilise her condition and improve her quality of life.
And she 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 I such fantastic care and support over the last 10 years – I have always felt I was in safe hands,” she said.
“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.”
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.
Nancy initially began her crowdfunding campaign to help her afford the pioneering ‘Optune’ treatment, which isn’t currently available on the NHS for her type of tumour. But after she was invited to take part in the trial, she chose to donate the funds to support Matt’s vital research at Charing Cross.
We are extremely grateful to Nancy for her generous donation, which will go directly towards important brain tumour research at Charing Cross Hospital. If you’ve experienced outstanding care at one of our hospitals, you can say thank you by making a donation today. You can donate to the hospital, ward or department that means the most to you, or entrust us to make sure your gift goes wherever the need is greatest.
To donate today, go to imperialcharity.org.uk/donate
