Amy Wareham, a 47-year-old city lawyer in asset management from the City of London, received a shocking diagnosis after experiencing occasional headaches. She had a sudden seizure during a trip to New York in May 2023, which led her to be blue-lighted to New York Presbyterian Hospital. Subsequent CT and MRI scans revealed two lesions on her brain, indicating a glioblastoma multiforme, a fast-growing brain tumour. Amy underwent emergency neurosurgery on June 12, 2023, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Despite the challenges she faced, Amy remained relatively well and decided to raise awareness and funds for brain tumour research. She married her husband, Bruce, in August 2023 and requested donations to The Brain Tumour Charity instead of traditional wedding gifts. Amy established The Amy Wareham Fund, which has raised an impressive £90,000 for research into high-grade brain tumours through various fundraising events and initiatives.
Amy was shocked to discover the limited treatment options available for her condition and the lack of funding for brain tumour research. Motivated by her own experience, she has been actively involved in supporting The Brain Tumour Charity’s efforts to improve treatments for glioblastoma. The charity recently awarded a £1.5 million ‘Quest for Cures’ grant to fund research aimed at finding more effective treatments for this aggressive tumour.
Dr Simon Newman, Chief Scientific Officer at The Brain Tumour Charity, emphasized the importance of finding new ways to treat glioblastoma to accelerate progress towards a cure. The challenge lies in developing treatments that can effectively target tumour cells in the brain, which is a complex task due to the brain’s unique structure. By investing in innovative approaches and research, the charity aims to discover breakthrough treatments that can improve outcomes for patients like Amy.
Amy’s journey serves as a reminder of the urgent need for more research and funding to combat brain tumours effectively. Her resilience and determination to make a difference in the face of adversity are truly inspiring, showcasing the power of community support and advocacy in the fight against cancer. As she continues her treatment and fundraising efforts, Amy remains hopeful that her contributions will help pave the way for better outcomes for future patients battling brain tumours.
