Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity nominated for 2026 Yorkshire Choice Awards

We’re incredibly proud to share that Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) has been nominated for the Charitable Excellence Award at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2026.

This nomination is especially meaningful to us. Founded in memory of Yorkshire mum Andrea Key, our charity was created with one clear mission: that no one in Yorkshire should face a brain tumour diagnosis alone.

We are also honoured to be the only brain tumour charity supporting both adults and young people that has been nominated this year, standing alongside more than 40 inspiring charities from across the region.

A charity born from loss- and built by community

Andrea Key died in 2003, but she left behind an amazing legacy, Andrea's Gift, which today is known as Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity.

Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity was established following Andrea Key’s death from a brain tumour. From the very beginning, the charity has been rooted in lived experience and driven by the voices of those directly affected by brain tumours.

Brain tumours, both malignant and non-malignant, are among the most life‑changing diagnoses a person can face. Alongside the physical impact, many people experience long‑term cognitive and emotional challenges that affect not just patients, but their families and carers too.

Despite this, brain tumours remain one of the most under‑funded areas of cancer research in the UK, receiving around 1% of national cancer research funding, even though they are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40.

One of YBTC's Peer Support Groups in Horsforth meet over coffee to share mutual experiences and build a sense of community.

Filling the gap with peer support and lived experience

In response to this unmet need, YBTC has developed a volunteer‑led, community‑based

model of support, working alongside clinical care to ensure people are not left feeling isolated once treatment or appointments end.

Since 2023, we have trebled the number of peer support groups operating across Yorkshire, allowing more people to access support closer to home. These groups are led by trained volunteers- many of whom have lived experience of brain tumours themselves.

The impact has been powerful. In recent surveys, 100% of people attending our peer support groups reported improved mental health and feeling less isolated as a result of attending.

With a small staff team and a growing network of volunteers, we are able to deliver high‑impact support while remaining deeply rooted in the communities we serve.

A long‑standing commitment to research

Alongside our support services, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity has invested over £1 million into brain tumour research since its formation.

This funding supports projects aimed at improving understanding, developing better treatments, and improving outcomes for people affected by brain tumours. More recently, we have focused on pump‑priming early‑stage research, helping researchers unlock further funding in an area that continues to receive limited national investment.

National recognition for volunteer impact

Our community‑led approach has also received national recognition. In addition to this Yorkshire Choice Awards nomination, YBTC has been nominated for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service — the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

This recognition reflects the dedication, compassion and lived experience our volunteers bring to supporting people affected by brain tumours across Yorkshire.

Why this nomination matters

The Yorkshire Choice Awards are decided entirely by public vote.

For us, this nomination is not just about winning an award. It’s about:

• Raising awareness of brain tumours, a condition that is often overlooked

• Highlighting the importance of support beyond diagnosis and treatment

• Recognising the vital role of peer support in helping people feel understood, supported and less alone

As our CEO, David Grant‑Roberts, explains:

YBTC's CEO, David Grant-Roberts

“Brain tumours can turn lives upside down in an instant. Too many people are left feeling isolated once they leave clinic. This nomination helps shine a light on the reality of living with a brain tumour and the vital role community‑led peer support plays in helping people feel understood, supported and less alone.”

How you can support us: vote today

We’re asking our community — and people across Yorkshire — to support us by voting in the Yorkshire Choice Awards.

Voting takes less than a minute, but it can make a huge difference.

“A single vote helps more people find support, recognises the incredible contribution of our volunteers, and helps ensure no one in Yorkshire faces a brain tumour diagnosis alone,” adds David.

How to vote

1. Visit the Yorkshire Choice Awards voting page: 2026 Nominees | The Yorkshire Choice Awards

2. Scroll to the Charitable Excellence Award category

3. Select Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity from the list

4. Enter your email address and submit your vote

   
   

📱 Important reminder: voting is limited to one vote per IP address, so we encourage you to vote using your mobile phone where possible.

Voting closes on 1 March 2026, with winners announced at a gala ceremony in June.

Thank you for supporting Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity — and for helpin

g us continue our mission so that no one in Yorkshire faces a brain tumour diagnosis alone.