A YOUNG mum who was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour is one of the faces fronting a festive campaign for Brain Tumour Research.
In September 2021, Laura Mahon was diagnosed with grade four brain tumour when she was 20 weeks pregnant with her first child.
After Laura and husband Danny decided to bring their daughter Sienna into the world at 30 weeks, the young mum was given the devastating prognosis of having just one year to live.
However, two years later, Laura and Danny have since married and hope to carry on making memories with their daughter Sienna this Christmastime, and at many more to come.
READ > Tenants reach agreement to save vital allotments - but face a fresh uphill battle
After raising thousands for charity and raising awareness of brain tumour research on social media, 30-year-old Laura is one of the faces taking part in the Brain Tumour Research's Christmas Advent Appeal.
Reminding people why research into brain tumours is so important, the charity advent calendar will share videos of brain tumour patients each day during December.
It is hoped that the poignant stories it contains will inspire visitors to make a donation to the charity; ultimately helping to find a cure for people like Laura.
In her video, which sits behind today’s door (Thursday, December 7), Laura, said: “When I was told I had a brain tumour, I was given the devastating prognosis of just one year to live. That was two years ago now and I'm still here fighting.
"My daughter Sienna and my husband Danny plan on spending our Christmas making many more memories.
"Please consider donating to Brain Tumour Research this Christmas because it will go towards vital research into helping people like me and many others enjoy many more Christmases.”
With brain tumours killing more children and people under the age of 40 than any other cancer, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to the disease since records began in 2002.
This is why dedicated fundraising attempts and awareness appeals like Laura's are vital in furthering brain tumour research.
Speaking previously to the Brain Tumour Research, Laura said: "Being told at 29 years old that you have inoperable stage 4 brain cancer and that I had just years to live is something you can never prepare yourself for. Hearing that said out loud was a moment we’ll never forget.
"We’ve been on loads of mini-holidays [since the diagnosis] and we love going out and doing nice things to make memories together, but I need to take each day as it comes. It’s hard at times and I just break down and cry.
“I see others with brain tumours who manage to live longer, so I am clinging to the idea that I might be one of those people. I’m fighting as hard as I can and I’m staying strong for my family.”
Matthew Price, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, added: "Please help us to raise awareness of the indiscriminate nature of brain tumours this December and to raise vital funds to get us closer to our vision of finding a cure, thereby bringing hope to everyone affected by this devastating disease.
"You can watch Laura’s video, and all those revealed so far here and give the gift of hope this festive season.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here