Katie Bryson (pictured centre above) was first diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of ten. She was treated at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital where she had surgery to remove the tumour. She suffered a stroke as a result of the operation which damaged her brain so that she couldn’t speak, or walk or use her left hand. Following surgery she needed several months of further treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. During the years following treatment she slowly recovered from some of the effects of her stroke. However, the longer term side effects of radiotherapy began to affect her, such that her growth, energy levels and hearing were permanently damaged.

Katie briefly attended Edgbaston Church of England College for girls where she met Pat Ashford, then lab technician at the school, now and for the last 15 years shop manager at Spellbound. Pat has kept in touch with Katie over the years and always visited any event where Katie was exhibiting her art work (Katie was a very talented creative artist and gained a degree from Bournville College of Art).

Four years ago Pat was approached by Rehab UK (now called Momentum, Birmingham), a charity which offers support and vocational training for adults with an acquired brain injury. They requested that Katie be offered some work experience at Spellbound. Katie stayed with us after the term of her rehabilitation scheme and became a much loved and valued member of staff.

In May 2011 Katie was found to have another brain tumour, which had been caused by the radiotherapy treatment 17 years ago. This tumour was known to be incurable, but she was enabled to have several months of life, following removal of part of the tumour at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Katie died on December 5th 2011. We are aware that these new technologies, had they been available earlier, could have greatly changed Katie’s life and we would like to do what we can to support the Queen Elizabeth Hospital becoming a centre of excellence for cancer care in memory of an amazingly spirited and creative person with a strong personal faith. She touched all our lives.