When Jane was diagnosed with a glioblastoma on Boxing Day 2025, she faced a new and unexpected chapter in her life. Drawing strength from her family, her love of gardening and the positivity that has carried her through previous challenges, she wanted to do something to support others affected by brain tumours.

Her garden has always been her passion and sanctuary, so when she felt well enough to take part in her village’s annual open gardens event, Jane decided to hold a cake sale in aid of brainstrust. With wonderful support from her family and friends, the day was a huge success, raising an incredible £1,225 for brainstrust.

Here, Jane shares her story, her experience of treatment and what inspired her to give back to others.

“I have a genetic predisposition to cancer which is called Lynch Syndrome, I’ve only known about Lynch for the last 5 years as it’s quite a newly recognised genetic syndrome. I was subsequently diagnosed with a glioblastoma on Boxing Day 2025.

In January I had awake brain surgery at Southampton and they were able to remove 95% of the tumour, my care there was fantastic and I was discharged the following day, me and my family are very grateful for the skilled surgeons and team at Southampton,

Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy treatments followed and I’ve been very lucky to not suffer from adverse side effects or sickness, although through these months I have had some difficulties with my right hand side and my speech (due to the position of the tumour), Steroids are a balancing act and I’m slowly reducing the dose.

From my initial diagnosis I have remained positive and optimistic, I’m now on longer term chemotherapy which I’m able to take at home, I’m on a 5-day cycle with the rest of the month off.

Three generations of my family have been affected by cancer linked to Lynch Syndrome. My Nan, (pictured here), Mum and I were all diagnosed with endometrial or womb cancer, while Mum went on to have several other primary cancers before passing away aged 82. Despite everything she faced, she always made the most of each day and continues to inspire me to stay positive and optimistic.

My garden has always been my passion and my sanctuary and I felt well enough to participate in our villages annual open gardens event, I decided to sell cakes in aid of brainstrust and my lovely friends and family were all very helpful and supportive in making cakes and helping out on the day, it was a great success and everybody had a wonderful time, we raised £1,225.00 for the charity.

My thoughts are with those, and their families also affected by brain tumours.”

A huge thank you to Jane, her family and friends for their wonderful support of brainstrust, and for the time, care and generosity put into this successful fundraiser.

Feeling inspired to organise your own fundraising event?  We’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with the team at fundraising@brainstrust.org.uk, we’ll support you every step of the way.