TWENTY two families went to a Christmas family day at Marwell Zoo, arranged by The Brain Tumour Charity.

Children – and their grown-ups – had a chance to meet Father Christmas, play games with elves during the day which had an Alice in Wonderland theme.

And they also had a chance to visit the animals at the Colden Common zoo at the festive fun day on Saturday last week (November 23).

Jenny Norman, whose 12-year-old son, Edward, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015, said: “We loved the day and we are hugely grateful for The Brain Tumour Charity’s support.”

And she emphasised how important it is for Edward and his brother Rupert, nine, to make friends with other children facing similar challenges so they don’t feel “different.”

Jenny from Seaford, East Sussex said: “It’s great for them to know that they are not alone and that others are going through this too.”

“The question that always used to come up from Edward was ‘Why me?’ – a heart breaking question there was no real answer to.

“It’s tough on Rupert, too, and we know he worries about his big brother.

“Edward just enjoyed being at the day with his family and friends, and he loved being chosen to wear the mad Hatter’s hat!

“Robert is mad about lemurs and has loads of cuddly toys on his bed so his highlight was seeing the zoo’s real versions.

“Having such brilliant days to look forward too always brings a lot of joy into our house and we cannot thank The Brain Tumour Charity enough.”

The charity is hosting another Christmas family day at Tamworth Dome on Saturday (December 7) and it holds family days throughout the year to give people a chance to meet other people who are facing similar challenges. https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/children-and-families-service/family-days/

As well as family days, the charity’s children and families service provides education resources which give advice to schools how best to support children returning to school after a brain tumour diagnosis and treatment; and access to a closed Facebook group for parents to share experiences.

Rachel Sharp, The Brain Tumour Charity’s Children and Families Manager, https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/children-and-families-service/ said: “We were delighted to welcome over 100 people to our Christmas family day.

“Everyone had a fantastic time and it was a great start to the festive season

“Our family days give children the chance to be children for the day away from the everyday stresses of living with a brain tumour or one of their parents or siblings living with a brain tumour.

“After a brain tumour diagnosis, families often feel isolated and anxious so, along with the support and understanding we can offer, connecting with other families who ‘get it’ is a lifeline.”

Find out more:

Get support here: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/children-and-families-service/

The Brain Tumour Charity’s HeadSmart campaign https://www.headsmart.org.uk/ raises awareness of children’s brain tumour symptoms and aims to reduce diagnosis time: