Aston, 15, was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2013, when he was just two years old. During surgery 90% of the tumour was removed, with 10% being left attached to his brain stem. He has since faced a tumour regrowth three times, in 2018, 2020 and 2022 and has taken part in an ongoing clinical trial to treat the cancer, as well as receiving other treatment such as chemotherapy. Over the years Aston has been a fantastic Young Ambassador for Tom’s Trust. He has recorded videos for our social media channels, shared his experience and encouraged others to fundraise for us.  

Riley, 15, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in March 2018, when he was seven, which was low-grade. He now lives with his brain tumour as it is inoperable. His family has been supported by a Tom’s Trust psychologist since he was diagnosed, and this support continues as he receives monitoring. He is an incredibly resilient young boy and has featured in several fundraising and awareness raising videos for Tom’s Trust. He also often gets involved with our social media campaigns. In recognition of all that he has done to help Tom’s Trust he won an Inspirational YoungStars Award in 2022.  

Mimi, 16, was diagnosed with a pilomyxoid astrocytoma brain tumour in 2013, when she was three. She endured surgery and chemotherapy but relapsed in 2017. She then had proton beam radiation in Florida and was stable for a couple of years before developing a new tumour nodule in the radiated area. In March 2021 this nodule was removed. Mimi has recovered well from her surgery and her family are hopeful that she remains stable. Mimi has been an incredible Young Ambassador for Tom’s Trust, featuring adverts and helping with social media and videos. She recently won awards at the Inspirational YoungStars Awards, along with her brother Flint. 

Flint, 17, is Mimi’s brother, and supports us as her sibling. He was the youngest ever competitor in a 1,000km ultra-endurance cycling race across France, which raised more than £15,000 for Tom’s Trust in recognition of his sister’s experience with a brain tumour. He got involved with extensive media coverage of his challenge, and recently won an award with Charity Today as the UK Fundraiser of the Year. In addition to that he also won awards at the Inspirational YoungStars Awards, along with Mimi for their work as Young Ambassadors for Tom’s Trust.  

Freddie, 16, was diagnosed at 11 months old with a right-sided temporal low-grade glioma brain tumour. The tumour grew 10 percent in just over six months and then Freddie underwent surgery to remove 90 percent of the tumour, as removing it all would have left him paralysed on his left side. At the time it was unclear if he would recover or ever walk again, but Freddie grew up to be healthy and active. Longer term, Freddie does experience difficulties with processing language and memory. Although he has faced adversity, he remains cheerful and has an incredibly positive outlook towards life.

Grace, 12, was just one when she was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma in December 2014 after having difficulties with her balance. The tumour was successfully removed, and six months of chemotherapy followed. Grace was given the all-clear in August 2015, but the tumour returned in November 2015. Grace had surgery again but unfortunately not all the tumour could be removed, which resulted in six-weeks of cranial and spinal radiotherapy and six months of chemotherapy.  

Camille, 18, was diagnosed with an ependymoma brain tumour when she was two, in 2009. She underwent two years of gruelling treatment that included high dose chemo, three brain tumour resections and a programme of aggressive radiotherapy. At such a young age, this had a big impact on Camille. The family have been supported by a Tom’s Trust psychologist, and since then Camille has come on leaps and bounds. She has passed her GCSEs and now regularly supports Tom’s Trust as a Young Ambassador, including recently helping to promote our Sibling Toolkit on BBC Breakfast.  Watch Camille’s father talking about her diagnosis 

Harry, 15, was just 11 years-old when his life changed forever. His sister, Emily was just eight when she was diagnosed with a diffuse midline glioma (DIPG) which grew aggressively, ending her life in less than two weeks after it was discovered in August 2022. Harry and his family went on to raise more than £12,000 for Tom’s Trust in a coast-to-coast walk in 2023, a year on from Emily’s death. Harry has also fundraised for other brain tumour charities, winning him a JustGiving Award in 2023. He has appeared in national media for Tom’s Trust and read out a poem at our Christmas Carol Service in 2023. 

Luke, 18, was 12 when his symptoms showed. Nine months later he was diagnosed with a low-grade craniopharyngioma brain tumour. Luke underwent lengthy surgery twice to remove the tumour followed by six weeks of Proton Radiation therapy to treat what they could not remove surgically, thankfully he remains stable but his treatments have resulted in damage to his pituitary gland and his Hypothalamus. This caused life-altering conditions including diabetes insipidus, adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism and hypothalamic dysfunction. Luke is now dedicated to raising awareness of the repercussions of a brain tumour diagnosis and the mental strain it places on young individuals and their families.

Sophie, 17, was diagnosed in December 2013 aged five. Sophie had a squint and squint correction operation when she was very little and was under Addenbrookes Hospital’s optician for check-ups. After a routine appointment, Sophie was quickly moved to A&E for a CT scan which revealed an orange-size tumour. After being moved to a ward Sophie was given steroids and had an MRI scan. The size was confirmed, and an operation date was booked. Sophie was stable so it was decided to take her home in the lead up. The operation went well, and the results showed that no further treatment was needed. The family have been rebuilding from the trauma and count themselves lucky with the outcome and support they have received; from charities such as Tom’s Trust.

Jamie was diagnosed with a cancerous metastatic midbrain Germinoma in 2020 at the age of 14. Following his diagnosis, he had a VP shunt inserted due to reoccurring life-threatening hydrocephalus, and treatment at the Proton Beam Radiotherapy Centre @ Christies in Manchester. Jamie’s tumour affected his pituitary gland, so he has no signal from his brain to his endocrine system. It also affected his optic nerve and eyes which led to vision problems, and issues with his balance. For Jamie the worst of his resulting conditions was deep fatigue. He found returning to school a difficult time. He was moved down a year, and lost all his original friends. Jamie is keen to share his brain tumour experience to help others facing a similar diagnosis.

Connor, now 18, was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of three. He was treated at the Great North Children’s Hospital with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Surgery left him with a condition called Posterior Fossa Syndrome. Whilst treatment has been successful in saving Connor’s life, chemotherapy resulted in hearing loss in both ears and radiotherapy has left him with learning disabilities. He will need support throughout his life to maximize his independence and to help him make the most of his strengths. Neuropsychological assessments have supported his team and family to consider what interventions or strategies might benefit him most.

Polly was diagnosed with a life-changing low-grade Optical Pathway Glioma at just 14 months’ old, at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where a Tom’s Trust clinical psychologist supports Polly and her family. Polly has had several rounds of chemo and faces the long term effects of her brain tumour including: blindness in her right eye, precocious puberty, trauma induced OCD, autism, ADHD, and sensory processing issues, but at age 12, she loves to dance, to watch Monsters Inc, and ponies and is thankfully stable.

At 15, Faris was diagnosed with a low-grade pilomyxoid astrocytoma after experiencing vision changes, balance issues and sickness. He underwent multiple surgeries, chemotherapy (which had to be stopped due to an allergic reaction), two years of vinblastine treatment, and proton beam therapy. He is now in remission. Throughout his treatment, Faris struggled with anxiety and isolation. With support from Anna, a member of the Tom’s Trust psychology team, he learned to manage the emotional impact of his diagnosis. Now 19, Faris is rebuilding his life – studying, working and spending time with friends. As a Tom’s Trust Young Ambassador, he hopes to support others like him.

Elliott, 12, from County Durham, was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma brain tumour in September 2022 after experiencing limping and hand weakness. Following surgery which removed 75% of the tumour, he developed dense hemiplegia and had to relearn basic skills and adapt to life with a hidden disability. Although he still has mobility issues and wears an ankle brace, Elliott has regained independence and even returned to cycling. While being supported by the Tom’s Trust’s psychology team as he undertakes his chemotherapy, he continues to attend school and remain positive. Now, he has become a Young Ambassador to support other children facing brain tumours.

Lucia, 20, is Camille’s big sister. She was just three years old when Camille was diagnosed with a brain tumour. While Camille underwent treatment, Lucia was cared for by her relatives. The whole experience has touched her entire childhood. Now, 16 years on, Lucia has chosen to join Tom’s Trust as a Young Ambassador. She has already represented the charity at events, including a high-profile evening at the House of Lords, and is committed to continuing her support by sharing her experience and giving siblings a voice. When reflecting on her journey, Lucia speaks openly about the hidden challenges siblings face: the mental health impact, the loneliness, the sudden shift in family dynamics, and growing up too quickly. She also shares how her sister’s diagnosis has shaped not only her childhood but also her long-term outlook on life.

Harry, 11, from Liverpool, was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma in 2020 at just five years old. After undergoing surgery, proton beam therapy and further treatment, he continues to manage the lasting effects of his brain tumour, including weakness on his left side and difficulties with coordination. While being supported by Tom’s Trust’s clinical psychology team at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Harry has chosen to become a Young Ambassador. Through his role, he hopes to raise awareness of childhood brain tumours and use his own experience to support other children and families going through similar challenges.

Lisa, 14, is Mimi’s younger sister and has recently joined Tom’s Trust as a sibling Young Ambassador. Inspired by her sister’s journey, Lisa wanted to find her own way to make a difference. She shared, “I want to become an ambassador because Mimi is my older sister, and I have seen how much Tom’s Trust has done for her. It is important to me to be an ambassador as I have always wanted to do something to help Mimi and through Tom’s Trust I can do this and help many others.”