A Hillingdon councillor who set up a brain tumour charity in the borough has set up a permanent home for a much loved support group.
The Hillingdon Brain Tumour and Injury Group celebrated the official launch of its new base in Long Lane on Thursday (October 27).
Survivors and families shared their emotional experiences with brain tumours and how the group has supported them since it was set up in 2009.
One Hillingdon woman, who asked not to be named, shared the grief she felt when her 11-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour.
'Everything was shattered'
The mum of three said: “Everything was shattered as I knew it and I was heavily pregnant at the time.
“The colour faded, the music stopped. I felt isolated'
“I'm a woman of faith and I considered myself strong, but I thought this would crush me.”
Holding back tears she added: “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the Hillingdon Brain Tumour Group.”
The woman's daughter passed away earlier this year, but she said the group stayed by her side throughout.
Husband was misdiagnosed
Cllr Becky Haggar set up the support group in 2009 after her husband Cyril was diagnosed with a brain tumour at 49 years old.
After a misdiagnosis with sciatica, the non-cancerous tumour caused seizures and the couple felt there was no one to turn to.
Mr Haggar survived his tumour, but the group support group they had set up continued.
Now in its seventh year, the Hillingdon Brain Tumour and Injury Group has set up a permanent location in Hillingdon, called the Centre of Hope
The base doubles up as a charity shop in the front, while at the back is a space for the support group to meet.
'I fell ill on Christmas day'
Another support group member said: “I fell ill on Christmas day 2012.
“They gave me two to three years to live.
"I'm now three years and a eight months down the line.
“I've told the children I'm here for the long haul and I'm here to spend their inheritance.
“If there's life, there's hope.”
Six members of the group have passed away this year, but Hillingdon Tumour and Injury Group continues giving support through counselling, financial advice and group meetings.
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