New trust aid for cancer sufferers (From Milford Mercury)

New trust aid for cancer sufferers

10:40am Thursday 6th August 2009 in News

When Mike Mason was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2007, he immediately made a pledge to help others in the same situation.

Two years on and he and his wife Debbie have established the Thorne Mason Trust, regularly running support sessions for cancer sufferers and their relatives.

“I was simply handed a piece of paper by the doctor which said there was no cure for my condition,” said Mike, who suffers from a tumour called Glioblastoma Multiforme. He was only given a 7% chance of surviving 2007.

“I decided that day to set something up,” he added.

The 55-year-old explained that the trust was set up for three main purposes. To help with brain tumour research, to provide an outlet for cancer sufferers and their relatives, and to help get better facilities on a local basis.

The couple’s ultimate goal is to help establish a cancer care centre in Pembrokeshire. Currently the closest significant centre to the county is the Penny Brohm Centre in Bristol.

“We would like a situation where someone suffering from cancer can visit Pembrokeshire for a week’s respite,” he said.

“There are plenty of local charities doing good work but I believe more can be done.”

His wife Debbie said that providing sufferers with a normal environment to meet people helped create a ‘positive atmosphere’.

“It often helps people just to be able to chat to others in their situation. It helps them realise everything doesn’t have to be gloom and doom.”

The trust was formed in May 2008 and gained official charity status earlier this year. Consisting of a further ten volunteers, it regularly carries out fund-raising events. The next, titled Arty Party, on September 6.

The event is being organised by the couple’s daughter Jesse, an art graduate from Liverpool University. On the day, artwork donated by Jesse and fellow former students will be sold to raise funds for the charity.

Anyone interested in attending the Arty Party can contact the couple on 01437 766011. The pair also run support sessions on the first Thursday of each month at Crundale Community Hall, with the next being held on August 6, between 10am and 1pm.