Heather nominated for a special award
Battled back from a massive brain tumour
A brave woman diagnosed with a tumour the size of an orange on her brain has been nominated for a top award.
Heather Dearie was diagnosed with the condition in 2010 when she discovered to have an acoustic neuroma.
The 32- year- old she is nominated for the Influencer of the Year award for her outstanding contribution in raising awareness and funds for research into this disease.
Heather said: “Two emergency surgeries later, I was left with all manner of long term side effects and life was pretty miserable until my mom put me in contact with Viv McBeth from The Brain Tumour Charity.”
She started volunteering and now she is a Community Ambassador for Celebrate Your Award, The Briain Tumour charity.
Heather’s hard work resulted in the support from an X Factor contestant Gregor Coleman, from Glasgow, and American band Train.
Heather said: “I do whatever is needed any time I am needed.
Now, it is all online so I am constantly on social media promoting the charity. I hand out Head Smart brain tumour symptom cards to anyone I think will be beneficial and wherever I go and I take charity information.
“I also have a number of people I keep in contact with regularly who reached out for someone to talk to and I think it is important I keep doing that because people need to know there is support out there if they want it.”
It is the first time that The Brain Tumour Charity organises an award event. The Charity wants to celebrate everyone who is fighting brain tumours as well as the ones who are supporting the lives of those who are affected.
Sarah Lindsell, CEO of The Brain Tumour Charity said: “We are at the forefront of the fight to defeat brain tumours, making a difference every day to the lives of people with a brain tumour and their families. But we couldn’t do this alone, and we don’t.
“We are very thankful to have a committed and passionate community with us every step of the way. Whether it is raising money or raising awareness, speaking up to the parliament or writing it down in letters to MPs, every single thing they of is making a vital impact and we want to say thank you.”
The award will have nine categories including Clinician of The Year, Volunteer of The Year and The Research Engagement Award. The Celebrating You Awards will be held on Thursday April 19, at The Octagon Theatre, Queen Mary University London.