Thornbury charity Brain Tumour Support has today launched an urgent appeal to ensure its survival.

The charity, based in the town for the last 17 years, had had to furlough the majority of its staff and suspend many of its services across the country as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It breaks my heart to know that there are patients and families out there that need our help but we do not have resources to support them,” said Tina Mitchell Skinner who founded the charity after losing her husband to a brain tumour.

“Brain Tumour Support has grown every year to help more people. We had exciting plans to further extend our support services and then the pandemic hit.

"This also coincided with funding from Macmillan England coming to an end, so for us it was a double blow.

"We rely solely on voluntary donations and have an amazing army of fundraisers, but most of the events and activities they were planning have had to be cancelled or postponed, so our income has plummeted.”

The charity is expecting an increase in demand for its services when lockdown comes to and end following a delay in many patients many receiving diagnoses or treatment.

During lockdown the charity has offered video chats instead of support groups, while its telephone support line and online support forum remain open for the time being.

However, in order to survive and bring back its support services to the level they were before the pandemic, it is appealing for donations.

“We are currently working with over 1,500 patients and carers requiring critical and intensive support with many more waiting for help,” said Mrs Mitchell Skinner.

“As well as patients who need our help, many NHS staff are also supported by us, as we provide a service that they simply do not have the resources to provide.

"We know these are challenging times for many people, but we are calling on you to consider making a donation, however much you can afford.

"Supporting us with a donation now, more than ever, will enable us to navigate through this devastating period so that we can survive, and continue to provide our crucial services now, and in the future.”

To donate go to braintumoursupport.co.uk/appeal