Six years on from a shock cancer diagnosis, Andy now devotes his time to helping others and has been nominated for a national award.
Andy also finds time to be an active member of Radiotherapy UK’s patient engagement group, supporting the development of our patient resources.
This is his story.
Please tell us a little bit about your experiences with radiotherapy
I’m Andy and in 2017 I was diagnosed with a large Meningioma brain tumour which was immediately surgically removed at Southampton NHS hospital. However, in 2022 I was diagnosed with some regrowth. This was successfully treated by stereotactic radiotherapy, also commonly known as Gamma Knife radiotherapy. This involved exposing the brain tumour cells to targeted radiotherapy, whilst being tightly constrained to the table by a specially fitted face mask.
What is your involvement with Radiotherapy UK?
I am an active member of the Patient Engagement Group, where my time and views are an essential contribution to the development of Radiotherapy UK’s patient information resources. I can bring my lived experience of a brain tumour and radiotherapy to help ensure their information resources are as relevant and supportive as possible.
Tell us about your recent nomination for a national award
I recently won the 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award from the Brain Tumour Charity, who then proposed me for the National Third Sector UK Charity Awards. The nomination reads:
“A true voice for change, Andy has volunteered in three roles over the past year, continuously using his lived experience of a brain tumour diagnosis to support others and accelerate progress. He has been instrumental in keeping our online communities a safe space as a peer support volunteer, and, as an Involvement Champion, he’s selflessly given his time to help shape our work and drive us forward towards our goals. If that wasn’t enough, his passion as our podcast co-host shines through as he raises awareness and empowers others to share their stories.”
What inspires you to volunteer your time in this way?
Following my shock diagnosis with a brain tumour, the Brain Tumour Charity proved a vital and amazingly supportive resource to help me and my family understand what I was going through. The charity also gave me hope that I could live a full, active life after recovering from brain surgery.
I vowed after recovery to try to help any others being impacted by diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours who like me are often looking for more guidance and support. I recently retired early which has given me more time to support others in the way I found so valuable, and my role with Radiotherapy UK is a perfect fit for enabling this.
Check out Andy’s podcast – Let’s Talk About Brain Tumours
