MY STORY :....

My name is Ellen Yates and I am nearly 68 years of age.

In April 2015 I was diagnosed with a Grade 1 brain tumour - Acoustic Neuroma.

In June this year I had my 10 year MRI scan and have now received the results, it would appear that there has been a slight growth since my last scan 3 years ago, so I now have to have another scan in 2026. Although it is only a small increase in size, just reading those words, for me, being the first time in 10 years I have done so, was a bit of a shock.

Since I received my initial diagnosis life has changed for both myself and my husband (who is my rock). I now use a stick to aid with my walking due to balance issues, I am single sided deaf and use a hearing aid (although I cannot use it all the time as I get ear infections). I suffer from time to time with anxiety and depression. These are just a few of the many symptoms I experience on a daily basis.

I have had to make major life adjustments which have been tough especially as I was a very active person

I was taught to crochet as a young child and after I got over the shock of my BT diagnosis I soon discovered that other people seemed to like my various crocheted items and so for a few years I have used this 'talent' to not only 'zone out' but also to try and raise funds for charity and awareness of brain tumours of all kinds (there are 120 different types of brain tumours ranging from Grade 1 - Grade 4).

I have my own closed group on FB from which I promote my various crochet items. https://www.facebook.com/groups/950547645286203

I also run a FB group, which I set up for anyone living in the South West of the UK affected directly or indirectly by a brain tumour. It is a 'closed' group - helping to make it a safe place to ask questions, share feelings, emotions and experiences. Essentially it’s a place for friendship and support. https://www.facebook.com/groups/348079219217822

All the fund raising I have done since September 2021 is in memory of my best friend and soul sister Dawn Rogers Parkyn (Dawnie) who sadly lost a very short 7 month battle to a Grade 4 GBM brain tumour, which was inoperable. Dawn and I had been best friends since we were 4 years old and I miss her terribly. It is almost 8 years ago when Dawnie and I were last, physically together, when she came over from Florida to Cornwall to share in my 60th birthday celebrations, but we always kept in contact either on the telephone or via video chat right up until the end.

I really hope that as many of you as possible will be able to join me by becoming a member of team 'Many Brains One Aim', adding your own stories as to why you want to help make a difference and raising your own funds and that collectively we can help to make such a difference.

Our annual fundraiser is back!

This year’s Walk of Hope takes place on Saturday, 27th September 2025, or you can organise your own Walk of Hope on any day that suits you.

Join us in stepping out to raise money to fund life-saving research at our Centres of Excellence and bring much-needed hope to brain tumour patients and their families.

Every September, thousands of supporters like you join our Walk of Hope events or organise their own walks in their community, set up fundraising pages and make donations to help find a cure for brain tumours, which kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

This year, we have set an ambitious target of £137 to support this vital cause. Will you step forward in 2025 to help find a cure? Your participation and generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by this devastating illness.