Tom’s Trust was established in 2011 by Andrew Whiteley and Debs Mitchell following the death of their only son Tom, aged 9, after a seven-month battle with a brain tumour. They received almost no mental health support for Tom or their family during diagnosis, treatment or beyond.
Tom’s Trust was created to support children with brain tumours in the UK. Their work is in addition to the very basic NHS provision, which is not designed or intended to manage the complex psychological requirements of young brain tumour sufferers.
Tom’s Trust funds two services, now providing support to 371 children and around 1,200 additional family members (parents and siblings), and now support every single child diagnosed with a brain tumour in two different regions, vastly improving their quality of life and hopes for the future.
Tom’s Trust’s programme of support
Tom’s Trust’s support starts at diagnosis and continues through adolescence, as the children’s needs change.
As anxiety is reported in 60% of patients and up to 70% of children display symptoms of depression, support for children and their families from the outset is vital. Our team are available following a diagnosis, throughout treatment, and after treatment to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of these young people.
Tom’s Trust funds:
• Cognitive assessments
• 1:1 counselling
• Family counselling
• School liaison reintegration
• Parental and sibling support classes
• Bereavement support
Funding from the Pixel Fund will help these children and their family members feel much more equipped to deal with the harsh experience of a brain tumour diagnosis.