After her father was diagnosed with a brain tumour, local artist Victoria Shone has launched an exhibition of her work to raise funds for research into the disease.  

Victoria, 41, from Elland in Calderdale, launched an exhibition titled, ‘Big Little Moments’, in the town’s CraftLocker Gallery Space which will be open to the public until 31^st December 2017.

The show which compromises of approximately 30 pieces that have all been inspired by the positive outlook and optimism her father, Ian Shone, has shown since being diagnosed with a low-grade meningioma brain tumour in April 2013 at the age of 53.  

After enduring invasive surgery and radiotherapy, Ian continues to experience seizures due to the pressure caused by the tumour. Despite this he has remained positive about the future and enjoys every day as it comes.  

So far the exhibition has raised over £400, which will be donated to pioneering charity Brain Tumour Research, which funds a network of Centres of Excellence where scientists are focused on improving treatments for patients and finding a cure. 

Victoria said: “This exhibition means a great deal to me as it is a way of celebrating my dad’s wonderful outlook on life. The title piece is called ‘Big Little Moments’ and was designed around the simple things that people get joy from. The piece shows an explosion of words describing the small things that make them happy. I believe that is where happiness comes from, knowing that it is these little things that can actually make a difference to someone’s daily life.” 

Victoria’s style is bold and colourful and created through using a range of materials including acrylic paint and ink pens. She has shown her work at various locations in UK and is excited to be back in her home town exhibiting. 

Her father Ian said: “After being diagnosed with the tumour I have learnt to take it one day at a time. I love the simple everyday things and try not to focus on the things I can’t do but to enjoy the things I can like a short walk in the fresh air or some gardening. This positive outlook on life has made me really appreciate what is good in my life.”  

Suzanne McKenna, Head of Community Fundraising (North) for Brain Tumour Research, said: “For too long, brain tumours have been a neglected cancer. Stories like Ian’s remind us all that we cannot allow this desperate situation to continue.  

“The charity is striving to fund a network of seven dedicated research centres whilst challenging the government and larger cancer charities to invest more in brain tumour research. We are extremely grateful to Victoria for helping to raise such vital funds to help us find a cure for this horrible disease and we wish her all the best for her exhibition.” 

To make a donation to Brain Tumour Research go to https://www.braintumourresearch.org/donation

For further information, please contact:
Lexie Dabney at Brain Tumour Research on 01908 867222 or 07591 206545 or Lexie.Dabney@braintumourresearch.org

Notes to Editors

Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK focused on funding sustainable research to find a cure for brain tumours. We are building a game-changing network of world-class Research Centres of Excellence in the UK. Embracing passionate member charities nationwide, £5.5 million was raised towards research and support during 2016.

We are campaigning to see the national spend on research into brain tumours increased to £30 - £35 million a year, in line with breast cancer and leukaemia. The charity is celebrating a year of high-profile campaigning on this issue following the unprecedented success of its petition in 2016. Following that, Brain Tumour Research is now taking a leading role in the Government’s Task and Finish Working Group convened to tackle the historic underfunding for research.

Key statistics on brain tumours:

• Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer
• They kill more children than leukaemia
• They kill more men under 45 than prostate cancer
• They kill more women under 35 than breast cancer
• Just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease
• In the UK 16,000 people each year are diagnosed with a brain tumour
• Less than 20% of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years compared with an average of 50% across all cancers
• Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone, at any age
• Incidences of, and deaths from, brain tumours are increasing.

Please quote Brain Tumour Research as the source when using this information. Additional facts and statistics are available from our website including our latest Report on National Research Funding. We can also provide case-studies and research expertise for media.