Supporter stories
and support the 1 in 6 of us with a neurological condition
“People appreciate the effort that goes into training for a marathon and their generosity has matched that.”
Elliott Dagul (above left) has taken on two epic challenges in 2024, the TCS London Marathon and the Barcelona Ironman. He’s raising funds for The National Brain Appeal to support Queen Square where his sister, Gaby, underwent...
“I give back as much as I can because I owe my life to The National Hospital”
Years of rehabilitation at The National Hospital after a devastating accident left Harry Rutledge with a passion for supporting the vital work that happens there by fundraising for The National Brain Appeal. One rainy Friday in December 2018, Harry Rutledge, then...
Taking on a Guinness World Record to change lives
On 2 January 2024, James Dick, 50, will embark on a record-breaking challenge that will see him skiing 30 countries in 30 days and covering over 12,000km. Alongside attempting a Guinness World Record, James will be raising...
“I want to share how you go about living with yourself as a slightly different person.”
Five years after undergoing surgery for brain cancer at Queen Square, Sara Payne decided to use her skills and experience to support the work of The National Brain Appeal. "Back in 2017 I started having occasional phases where...
“I received the best possible care anywhere in the world at Queen Square”
In 2020, Anthony Hamilton, 60, had three surgeries at Queen Square after a brain haemorrhage left him unconscious in the bath, where he was discovered after four days. Three years on, he is a champion fundraiser for The...
“Running boosted my recovery”
This October sees a record 41 #TeamBrainAppeal runners taking part in the TCS London Marathon. We’ll be there to cheer them all on! One of the team includes David Maloney, 35 (above). He signed up after taking on the same event for us five years ago. This time, he’s...
“I enjoy connecting with supporters”
It's Volunteer's Week! This special week runs from 1-7 June, and we want to say a big thank you to all of our lovely team who help us out in so many different ways. We wanted to highlight one of our current volunteers, Geraldine Pote, who has been with us for around...
“I’m facing dementia at the age of 45”
This is me with Barbara – the Good Life bus. My husband Chris and I recently bought this converted American school bus to travel and have adventures before my memories fade and the life I recognise now changes forever. My story begins back with my mum and my auntie –...
“Running has helped me process Dad’s diagnosis”
Bristol PE teacher Tom Morison is taking on an extreme challenge to raise money for The National Brain Appeal’s Rare Dementia Support. Two years ago Tom’s father, Oliver Morison, was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia, logopenic progressive aphasia (LPA). Tom,...
Five minutes with… our fundraising apprentice
Sebastian Farias To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we grabbed five minutes with The National Brain Appeal's apprentice, Seb, to talk all things fundraising! Q How long have you worked at The National Brain Appeal? A It's been about seven months now. I should...
‘I make sure I enjoy every day’
In the summer of 2018 I began to have severe headaches. I took painkillers but they didn’t help. Then I started to experience dizziness and I even collapsed a few times. My partner, Brian, along with family and friends soon started to notice the effect these headaches...
‘I was buzzing from Our Dementia Choir’
If you watched Our Dementia Choir on BBC One recently, you’ll know how powerfully the documentary showed the benefits of music for people living with dementia. One of the choir members, 67-year-old Chris Connell, (above, with arms raised) has a rarer form of the...
‘The National saved my life three times’
I’ve had quite a rollercoaster over the last 10 years – I’ve been admitted to The National Hospital for three different neurological issues, but thankfully I've come through the other side – and would not be here if it wasn’t for the amazing doctors and nurses at...
Under The Umbrella
One in six people are affected by a neurological condition - this is a key strapline for our charity and a hard-hitting statistic. Recently, this statistic was brought home to us when we shared our stories about friends and family affected by a neuro disorder. As part...
A warm welcome
Thanks to your support, the charity is growing bigger each year, and we’re bringing in more funds for Queen Square. As a result, we’re excited to be able to expand our team in the form of Alexis, Abbie and Jane, who have all brought their valuable skills to the...
The new Molly Lane Fox Unit opens
The first-ever dedicated ward for brain tumour patients in the UK, The Molly Lane Fox Ward, has recently re-opened - and has now doubled in size, thanks to our fundraisers, who raised £670,0000 for the project. The original unit opened in 2011 with £1m funding from...
‘My grandmother is a living miracle’
It was a Saturday afternoon in mid-February when the house phone rang – and it which would drastically change our lives forever. The call was from my sister Eftyhia, telling us that she found our grandmother (“Yiayia”, Greek for grandmother) collapsed on the living...
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Registered Charity No. 290173. A limited company registered in England. No. 01844281