A women living with a brain tumour diagnosis has spoken of her pride at being recognised for raising awareness over the disease.
Heather Dearie, from Ayr, picked up the ‘Change Maker’ Award from The Brain Tumour Charity, for her continuing campaign to drive change- while battling her own health issues.
Heather was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma brain tumour in 2010.
She has campaigned and raised funds for The Brain Tumour Charity since 2014 and regularly volunteers to attend Scottish government workshops to ensure that the charity’s perspective is heard.
Heather is part of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce’s ‘Patient Advocate Group’, recently meeting with cabinet Secretary for Health- now First Minister- Humza Yousaf- and sharing her story and highlighting the need to address healthcare policy when it comes to brain tumour patients.
Speaking about her award Heather said: “I was shocked I was nominated for this award and definitely didn’t expect to actually win it, but I’m so honoured and thankful to all the charity supporters who nominated me and to the judging panel who decided I should win.
“Being involved with The Brain Tumour Charity has been so rewarding all these years.”
Heather scooped the Change Maker of the Year award that recognises someone who’s stepped up to support The Brain Tumour Charity’s policy and campaigning work, bringing issues to attention, or making the case to those in power.
The Brain Tumour Charity’s community-led Celebrating You 2023 awards took place on Tuesday, April 4 at London’s Business Design Centre with comedian and presenter Hal Cruttenden hosting.
The Celebrating You 2023 Awards were an opportunity to give something back to the inspiring people who’ve gone above and beyond to make a difference to the lives of those affected by a brain tumour.
Heather said: “My (former) local MSP, John Scott, has always been particularly supportive of the charity in our local area and always champions our fundraiser events but it’s vital that his support is echoed by the rest of the government which is why I’m keen to add my voice to the charity’s efforts.”
Hal said: ”I was honoured to return to host The Brain Tumour Charity’s Celebrating You Awards.
“Heather has continued to step forward to steer the direction of the charity’s work and provided a platform for the community’s voices for change.”
Tom Bryant, Celebrating You 2023 judge and Head of Showbiz at The Mirror, said: “I am always totally blown away when I hear the incredible stories of those involved: from heroic fundraising efforts, to volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes, or those campaigning for change, the list goes on and on.”
Graham Norton, The Brain Tumour Charity’s Interim CEO said: “The Celebrating You Awards recognise the incredible, inspiring members of our community who’ve gone above and beyond to create change in the last two years.
“Without them, we simply couldn’t have the same amazing impact, from investing in world-class research and raising renewed awareness of the signs and symptoms of brain tumours, to providing essential support to the community.
“Whether an invaluable volunteer, fearless fundraiser or tireless campaigner, a relentless researcher, heroic healthcare professional or dedicated corporate partner –we’re incredibly grateful for, and wholeheartedly celebrate, everything they’re doing to help ensure those diagnosed with a brain tumour live longer and have better lives.”
The Brain Tumour Charity is the UK’s largest dedicated brain tumour charity, committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts.
They fund pioneering research to increase survival and improve treatment options as well as raising awareness of the symptoms and effects of brain tumours to bring about earlier diagnosis.
The Charity also provides support for everyone affected so that they can live as full a life as possible, with the best quality of life.
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