Japanese Magpie

Later this week Miles and I are delighted to be speaking at this year’s SYNLAB UK & Ireland Innovation Academy Symposium, where we will discuss the vital role of diagnostics in cancer care. We will be sharing why we chose to invest the funds raised by Charlotte’s BAG into diagnostics research. Charlotte’s BAG was created in memory of my daughter, Charlotte, who tragically died from a grade 4 glioblastoma at just 19 years old. Earlier and more accurate diagnosis can help patients access the right treatment sooner. This is particularly important with brain tumours, where diagnosis can be complex and time is often critical. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, Charlotte’s BAG has helped fund research in Charlotte’s laboratory at King’s College Hospital. We have invested in technology that has increased the speed at which brain tumour samples can be processed, helping to support vital research in this field. For us, this work is deeply personal. We cannot change what happened to Charlotte, but we can help drive progress that may make a difference to other patients and families facing this devastating diagnosis. We are honoured to be part of an event bringing together experts from across pathology and healthcare to explore how innovation is helping to improve patient outcomes. We look forward to sharing Charlotte’s story, explaining why diagnostics research matters so much to us, and meeting everyone attending. For Charlotte, and for a future where better diagnostics can make a real difference. charlottesbag.org/ A self funding charity

The Journal of a Mother Whose Daughter Had a Brain Tumour Diagnosis to Death: 951 days Age 19 18.2.97 - 24.2016 Will there ever be a day when I won’t miss your smile? Your incredible hugs. The little things, like asking me to make you a cup of tea and bring in the custard creams. It’s the everyday moments I miss so much. The things that seemed so ordinary at the time, but I would give anything to have back again. I never signed up for having children and burying them at 19. I signed up for being a mum, for watching my children grow, seeing them find their way in life, building their own futures and hopefully one day welcoming future generations into our family. I never imagined a life without you, Charlotte. You were supposed to grow older, make memories, have adventures and have a future filled with all the things a young woman should have the chance to experience. Instead, I have to learn to live with your absence, carrying a love for you  that has nowhere to go but still fills my heart every single day. Nearly eleven  years on, and I still miss you more than words could ever explain. I miss who you were, who you were becoming, and everything we should have shared. I would give anything for one more hug, one more cup of tea, one more request for those custard creams. Please consider donating to Charlotte's BAG to help fund vital brain tumour research.Research carried out in Charlotte's Lab at King's College London covers all types of brain tumours, helping the wider brain tumour community.We are a small, entirely self-funded charity, which means 100% of your donation goes directly to research. No salaries. No overheads. No advertising. No merchandise. charlottesbag.org/

Why donate to Charlotte’s BAG rather than a big charity? It’s a fair question, and one I’m often asked. Charlotte’s BAG was created in memory of my beautiful daughter, Charlotte, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged just 16 and sadly died from a grade 4 glioblastoma aged 19. Behind this charity is a mum who knows first hand the devastation a brain tumour diagnosis brings to a family. I know what it means to desperately want more time, better treatments and a future for your child. That is why I continue to fight for the research that is so desperately needed. We may be a small, self-funding charity, but we have a very clear purpose. 100% of donations  go directly to brain tumour research in Charlotte’s Lab at King’s College Hospital, London. We don't have a large organisation behind us it's just Miles, my son & I. We rely on the generosity of individuals, families and businesses who believe in what we are trying to achieve. When you support Charlotte’s BAG, you are helping fund research while keeping Charlotte’s name and story alive. Every donation contributes to our mission of improving the future for people affected by brain tumours. This isn't about saying that big charities don't do important work. They do. But smaller charities can offer a very direct connection between the people who donate, the cause they care about and the work they want to support. For me, this is personal. Charlotte was my daughter. I cannot change what happened to her, but I can continue to do everything I can to help other families facing the same devastating diagnosis. We might be small, but our ambition is not. To date we have raised £413,683k If you are thinking about donating to a brain tumour charity, please consider Charlotte’s BAG. Your support means more research, more hope and a lasting legacy for a beautiful girl who deserved so much more time. Thank you for helping me keep Charlotte’s legacy alive. If you’re unable to donate to Charlotte’s BAG, please consider reposting this post. With thanks Alex charlottesbag.org/ kch.nhs.uk/news/kings-neuros…