First Hammer Out Patient/Carer Conference

Hammer Out Brain Tumours held their first ever Patient/Carer conference at Woodbury Park, near Budleigh Salterton, Devon on 8th and 9th March 2008. Patients, carers, clincians and specialist nurses attended the conference and many of the people who came attend the various charity support groups around the South West. Speakers throughout the weekend included Dan Mawby, a patient who attends Hammer Out's Southampton support group. Dan gave an inspirational talk about how things have changed since being diagnosed with a brain tumour and how he views life now. His encouraging words talked about hope and how important this is when living with a brain tumour. He is nine years down the line and doing really well. Sue Farrington Smith led everyone through the history of the UBTC (United Brain Tumour Campaign) and how people can campaign for more funding into research for brain tumours. By going to see your own MP can make a big difference. Workshops were held during the afteroon by Chalrie Ewer- Smith, Dr Mary Ryan and Toni Lawton to address issues which cannot always be discussed in a large group. Although some subjects were difficult, people were given the opportunity to open up and share with one another. On the Sunday, the IBTA secretary, Kathy Oliver gave a presentation on Hope for the Future and possible Areas of Research and Professor Steven Gill gave a complete overview about the robotic arm, the project that Hammer Out is helping to fund. Dr Peter Bliss, Consultant Oncologist from the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital presented on how consultants decided about treatement. It was a very valuable insight into the processes behind the decisions which are made between the consutlant and the patient regarding treatment. The weekend was a positive and relaxing experience for those who attended.