Bristol Evening Post - Friday September 23, 2005
Brain tumour charity opens new base
by Lynne Hutchinson

A CHARITY set up to help people with brain tumours and their families has opened a new headquarters.

Tina Mitchell started the Hammer Out campaign in 2002 with her husband Paul, 10 months before he died aged just 37.

Until recently Tina had been running the organisation from her Alveston home but it became essential to have extra space.

Now Hammer Out, which became a registered charity last year and has raised thousands of pounds, has moved to offices in Castle Street, Thornbury.

The building was officially opened by Sally Challoner of BBC Points West.

The name Hammer Out was chosen in recognition of Paul's support of West Ham United football club, whose nickname is the Hammers, and the charity logo is in the team's colours of claret and blue.

Hammer Out was formed to raise awareness of brain tumours, which can often be terminal, and the needs of those affected by them, as well as raising money to support medical research. It also provides help and information for families and carers of people who have been diagnosed with a tumour.

Tina, who chairs the charity, said: "These new offices are perfect and it now means volunteers, patients and supporters can come in without there being too much of a squash."

The charity has two patrons, Frenchay Hospital consultant neurosurgeon David Sandeman and actress Tracey Childs.

Celebration: From left, charity vicechairwoman Jean Fellender, Sally Challoner, administrator Steph Staton, founder Tina Mitchell, and trustee Paula Watkins

Tracey, who has appeared in Born and Bred and Howards' Way, said: "I became a patron because the experience of nursing my ex-husband, Tony Anholt, for the last 18 months of his life taught me how lonely and frightening brain tumours can be for the sufferers and their families."

Tina said: "I cannot say a big enough `thank you' to all our local supporters for all they do. Knowing there are people out there in the community willing to help us fight this disease makes a huge difference to what we are able to achieve."

Hammer Out has raised more than £150,000 and started funding its first development project two years ago.

Tina, who has an eight-year-old son John, said: "We would like people experiencing the shock and bewilderment of the diagnosis of a brain tumour to know they are not alone and they have others to whom they can turn."

To contact the charity go to www.hammerout.co.uk or call 01454 414 355.