Registered Charity No. 1128581

“My dream is for there to be a big step forward in finding a cure for brain tumours. There has been so much advancement with other cancers through all the research, so there is no reason why it can’t be the same for
 brain tumours.”

My husband Mike and I set up the Thorne Mason Trust in April 2008 following Mike’s diagnosis with a glioblastoma multiforme. It was his idea. What kick-started everything was having a wedding blessing to renew our vows in St David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire. In lieu of presents we asked for donations and received about £1,500.

Mike’s diagnosis was not our first association with brain tumours. Before I knew Mike I was great friends with his younger sister, Cheryl – we both lived in the same village and sung together in church - and it was through her at the age of 16 that I met Mike who was nine years older. We were to spend over 30 happy years together. Tragically, Cheryl died at the age of 26 of the same type of brain tumour as her brother was to 20 years later, leaving her children five year old Marie and seven year old David.

It is strange, but there are a lot of people with GBMs in our area. I am sure that if you looked at the geographical location of brain tumours across the UK there would be a high incidence in Pembrokeshire. I wonder why this is?

When we set up the Thorne Mason Trust we wanted to help find a cure for brain tumours and Mike wanted somewhere where people had space to talk so we run a support session once a month for people with any type of cancer. Complimentary therapies are available, as well as tea and coffee, a lending library and advice on healthy eating and drinking. We try and help people to help themselves and we also organise help with things like gardening and cleaning.

The Thorne Mason Trust has also helped financially in some cases, including assisting with travelling costs to and from hospital for a couple whose new-born baby was diagnosed with leukaemia. Whenever we do this we find that those people who have benefited from the Trust then become fundraisers.

We have held two art fundraiser events called the “Arty Party”, which were organised by my daughter Jessie, the first of which in 2008 raised £5,000 and the second in 2009, £4,000. With all the smaller events, including our friends having parties, ladies night and a silent auction etc, the Thorne Mason Trust has raised about £20,000 so far.

My dream is for there to be a big step forward in finding a cure for brain tumours. There has been so much advancement with other cancers through all the research, so there is no reason why it can’t be the same for brain tumours.

Debi Mason – June 2010