Kathryn Grimes – the wife of Isle of Wight firefighter Mark Grimes – is backing a campaign to raise awareness of childhood brain tumour symptoms across the Island.
Mark, a firefighter for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service at Ryde Fire Station, had only welcomed his baby son into the world 9 months previously when he was delivered news he couldn’t have ever imagined – he had cancer at just 34-years-old. In February last year Mark and his family spent his birthday in hospital waiting for a CT scan after 6 months of what can only be described as ‘funny turns’.
Following an MRI scan and multiple appointments at the Wessex Neurological Centre, Mark was finally given a diagnosis and prognosis – the MRI had confirmed what was believed to be a low grade Oligodendroglioma, one of the rarer tumours, approximately 5x5cm in size and that had probably been growing for many years.
Now, over 15,000 wallet-sized symptom cards will be distributed to 40 schools, 20 GP surgeries and St Mary’s Hospital as part of ‘HeadSmart’ – a campaign run by The Brain Tumour Charity to raise awareness of the symptoms of childhood brain tumours and reduce average diagnosis time, in order to save lives and minimise long-term damage from the disease.
Since it was launched in June 2011, the HeadSmart campaign has reduced the time it takes on average to diagnose a childhood brain tumour in the UK from more than 9 weeks to less than 7. The aim is to reduce diagnosis time to 4 weeks or less in line with NHS targets.
Kathryn said:
“We became supporters of The Brain Tumour Charity following my husband’s diagnosis and surgery last year and went on to raise over £8,000. We are continuing to raise money through our fundraising events but also wanted to raise awareness in the community, here on the Isle of Wight.
“I think once you have been affected by something yourself, you become very aware of other cases and there have been several cases in the local media in the last couple of years of young children either undergoing treatment or who have sadly lost their lives to brain tumours.
Article continues below this advertisement “The statistics for children especially, who initially get misdiagnosed are shocking, and having young children ourselves this is something we wanted to address.
“The HeadSmart cards are such a simple yet effective way of educating people to be aware of the symptoms.”
The family have also started an Island Brain Tumour Support Group that meets every last Tuesday of the month, starting 26th April.
Kathryn said:
“Anyone affected by brain tumours are welcome to drop in for advice, share stories or simply take time out with other people who understand what they’re going through. Whilst we were lucky enough to have supportive friends and family, I don’t think you truly understand unless you have been in the situation yourself.
“We realise Mark, so far, has been very lucky and he has returned to work and full fitness and is running the London Marathon for The Brain Tumour Charity on 24th April”.
Sarah Lindsell, The Brain Tumour Charity’s CEO said:
“We are immensely grateful to Kathryn and Mark for helping us to spread awareness and continue our drive to reduce diagnosis times and save lives. We wish Mark the best of luck for the marathon.”
Possible symptoms of a brain tumour include:
• persistent/recurrent headaches
• vomiting
• balance and co-ordination problems
• abnormal eye movements
• blurred or double vision
• behaviour change
