The project
Strengthening links with the brain tumour community of Yorkshire came about from the relationship between YBTC and
Anke Brüning-Richardson, Senior Lecturer in Biomedicine at the University of Huddersfield.
After our CEO Marie Peacock gave a talk to her students, Anke was so impressed that she contacted YBTC about partnering up. When the University released a
grant call for publication engagement funds, we applied together for funding.
The aim of the project is to discover how the university can
support YBTC, promote our vital work and increase awareness whilst enabling students to understand what a charity does, how it operates and to feel that their studies have a personal impact on the community.
The
first workshop of the project was held at HIVE Café in Huddersfield on Wednesday 15
th February.
Anke, 15 of her medical students, our Regional Fundraiser Jen and three members of our
Patient Advisory Group came along to collaborate and share their thoughts.
Jen said:
“The aim of the first workshop was to bring together patients affected by a brain tumour diagnosis and University of Huddersfield students. Anke is passionate about her students seeing the ‘real life’ effect that their studies will have on patients, whether that is through their research or other avenues. It was such a positive environment, and we are delighted to be part of it.”
One member of our Patient Advisory Group said:
“I think it was very worthwhile both for the students and YBTC. A brain tumour is not an experience that anyone would wish for, but I feel that by using my experience and telling my story it will contribute in some way to medical science. For the students our presence brought the text books to life and hopefully they can use that information towards their studies, which may ultimately lead towards a cure. At the very least it raised awareness of brain tumours being a reality, to an audience that may be in a position to change things in the future."
Anke said:
“It was great to meet the Patient Advisory Group members and I felt very inspired when I left the venue. I am looking forward to the next meeting, let’s see what the students are going to come up with!”
The
second workshop will be held on Wednesday 22
nd March. Students have been given a brief to produce a ‘product’ that will increase awareness and understanding of research into brain tumours. This product must be sustainable, and useful for the YBTC team. We can’t wait to showcase their work.
The YBTC Patient Advisory Group gives patients, carers and loved ones the chance to feed back on YBTC support services and planned research projects via focus groups, surveys and interviews. To find out more and get involved, please
click here.