Case studies

Life-saving research

Tommy Bennett acts like the average toddler – playing games with his sister and getting hold of the biggest toys he can find. He loves Milky Way Magic Stars and chocolate ice cream and doesn’t seem to have a care in the world.

Incredibly, at just two-and-a-half years old, Tommy has a very rare and very serious brain tumour. Doctors initially believed his symptoms were caused by epilepsy, but after 18 months they discovered a tumour a third of the size of his brain.

After a biopsy and an agonising two-week wait, doctors diagnosed him as having an anaplastic oligodendroglioma tumour. “For us the worst part was the waiting – we didn’t know if he would live or die,” says Tommy’s mum, Tracey.

CBTRC played a vital role in the diagnosis...it's really important for us to raise money to help support their work. Tommy's mum Tracey Bennett The Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre played a vital part in the diagnosis. “This particularly uncommon type of tumour grows from the frontal lobe of the brain and is extremely dangerous”, continues Tracey. ‘Tommy went through an 11-hour operation to remove 75% of the tumour – touching any of the arteries running through the tumour would have killed him instantly.

“He’s having chemotherapy and can walk now, but he doesn’t have full use of his left-hand side.

“Our situation made us realise what’s really important in life. As well as looking after Tommy, we’ve been fundraising for the CBTRC. It’s really important for us to raise money to help support their work and so far we’ve raised £2,800.”

(On the 5th March 2007 Tommy Bennett sadly lost his brave fight with brain cancer).

Positive ambition

In 1997, when Laura Gallimore was 11, her mum managed to persuade doctors that her daughter’s vomiting and headaches were symptomatic of something serious. A brain tumour was diagnosed and her family and school life turned upside down. The tumour was removed and Laura has since had successful treatment and now enjoys her dream job as a journalist.

Grown up fast

Joshua Aisthorpe was originally given a 50-50 chance of survival by doctors after his malignant brain tumour was diagnosed. He was very quiet and withdrawn while he was ill, making the experience very emotional for the whole family. Once he received treatment, he went from strength to strength, and was soon messing around with his little brother.

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