In October 2001 Andrea Key was told by doctors that she had an aggressive brain tumour, and she was given twelve months to live. On 16 May 2002, aged just 42, Andrea died as a result of that tumour. Andrea's Gift to the world she left behind was the courage with which she fought her terrible disease, and the conviction she gave to her friends and family – a conviction that in future more could be done to fight this disease through research and patient support. It was this conviction that lead to the formation of Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire.

Andrea, like all who succumb to a brain tumour, was more than just a name. When she lost her fight with that tumour – a highly malignant grade 4 glioblastoma – she was the mother of two teenage children. She had a job that took her around the world and a life that made every moment count – swimming, dancing, water skiing, fell walking.

Andrea’s love was for life, and she was fiercely independent with it. Then, the tumour hit. The independent woman had to be cared for and her quality of life diminished as the disease progressed. During her last Christmas, in 2001, the fits began and she was diagnosed epileptic. Family and friends cared for her 24/7, but by now they feared the worst. They watched helplessly as the disease took control of her body and her life. Her personality, though, was never eclipsed and her dignity, bravery and strength were and remain an inspiration to so many. Ultimately, the tumour took away Andrea’s life in May 2002. It is in her name, and for the honour and hope of so many in the future, that Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire is taking on the battle direct – we owe this much to everyone fighting brain tumours in Yorkshire today and tomorrow.

The trustees have always been very clear about what they wanted to provide for the brain tumour community. Led by three key clinicians involved in the treatment, support and care of patients through the Leeds Teaching Hospitals the vision has always had the patient’s best interest at heart.

Mr Paul Chumas is a consultant neurosurgeon based at the Leeds General Infirmary and as a founder member of the charity; Paul has been instrumental to its development and integration with other areas of care.

Dr Susan Picton is consultant paediatric oncologist based at St James University Teaching Hospital in Leeds and Dr Carmel Loughrey is consultant neuro oncologist in the Bexley Wing Cancer Centre at St James.

The clinicians are supported from business by:

• Bev Foster who is a Regional Sales Operations Manager for Emerald Group Publishing
• Malcolm Hardy, Emerald Group Publishing’s Finance Director
• Martin Gatenby is a Key Account Manager and works for a leading pharmaceutical company.
• The trustees are led by Chair, Martin Fojt who is Chairman of Emerald Group Publishing Limited in Bingley.
• Carol Robertson is the Fundraiser and Events Organiser for Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire.

Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire is both lucky and grateful to have some fantastic high profile supporters who help us in so many different ways.

We have five Patrons who give us so much support and help to raise the charity profile – Sir Ian Botham OBE, Jackie Alliss, Dr Keith Howard OBE, Trevor Cherry and Allan Lamb. In addition, we were thrilled when Lady Botham agreed to be our President.

Follow the links by clicking on the images to find out why these people support BTRS and feel strongly that brain tumour research and patients should be high on everyone's agenda.

Below are all our fantastic supporters, click on their images to find out why they support Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire.

Hello there! My name is Carol Robertson and I am employed by Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire as Fundraiser and Charity Development Manager. This means that I am here to help you and give you any support that you may need.

I have been involved with the creation and development of the charity since my friend Andrea was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2002 (see The Origins of Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire for more information).

Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire was formalised and received its charity registration number in February 2003 and from that time until August 2006 I was privileged to be the chair of trustees. I resigned as a trustee when I was appointed Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire Event Organiser and Fundraiser.

Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire is hugely important to me and to the very special people I have met since we began. I want to ensure the success of the charity and will help you as much as I can to get the most out of your events and fundraising.

Here are just some of the ways in which I can help you:

• Provide publicity materials such as collecting tins, posters, leaflets to give identity to your event;
• Help you write a press release and gain publicity from your activities;
• Help you create a Justgiving online sponsorship page;
• Give you hints and tips that will help you maximise the potential from your event;
• Come along to your event and say a few words of thanks and to give your guests a little more information about the work Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire does.
• I would also be delighted to speak to any groups (church, schools, WI, Rotary etc.) in the area on the work that we do or how we managed to set up and develop the charity, just let me know if this is something you would be interested in.

I am also closely involved with the groups that provide help and support to brain tumour patients and carers (more information in Support) so if you need any information or would like to get involved in some way, please let me know!

Please share any ideas you have that will make Brain Tumour Research and Support across Yorkshire a stronger organisation.

People affected by brain tumours deserve our support and help.