Vows to Use Time Left to Help Others
A few weeks ago the Rotary Club had the privilege of listening to a young Newton Aycliffe girl, Anna Swabey, who came to talk about coping with a terminal illness after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Anna was at home in January this year when she suffered a seizure. Aged 23, she was rushed to hospital and underwent a range of tests before doctors found a tumour.
Ana said: “They told me I could survive months or anything up to three years, but I didn’t even hear that, I just looked at my Mum and we burst into tears.”
Rotary members could not believe how she decided to deal with this death sentence, and thinking only of helping others who might be in similar circumstances.
She had everyone in awe of her bravery and determination to “fight until her last breath” to raise awareness and cash for the charity supporting brain tumour sufferers now and in the future.
Anna explained how little of research money was being used for victims like herself and how necessary it was for her to spread knowledge of the condition.
She has raised thousands of pounds since being diagnosed and kept a diary of her treatment and fundraising on her own website. which is an inspiration to all: www.annaswabey.wordpress.com
What is so admirable about Anna’s story is her attitude, optimism and cheerfulness in the face of all she is going through.
Anna a University graduate and keen sportswoman, along with her boyfriend Andrew and friends, have set about doing what they can to fund research into the illness.
Anna had exciting news recently which will help her considerably in her quest to raise awareness of brain tumour treatment and research.
On-line petitions have brought results and the newly formed Government Petitions Committee decided that this cause was worth looking into further – particularly as it was not on the agenda for the health committee. They wanted to gain perspectives and evidence from charity campaigners, clinicians, and patients alike to best decide if this issue should be debated in Parliament.
The Committee launched an online web forum for people to share their experiences and to show their support for more funding into research.
Since then, the committee have invited 20 patients to a roundtable discussion at Westminsterand Anna is included. This week she travelled to the Houses of Parliament to share her experiences with the MPs on the committee.
She truly believes this is a huge step forward not only for brain tumour victims but for democracy in general. Anna said: “I feel very honoured to have been given a chance to be a part of the debate”. Anna’s story was featured this week on national & local TV news.
