Tara Burrows, a single mother from Highbridge, Somerset, is asking for help as her 14-year-old son, Harvey, battles a brain tumour for the second time. Harvey was first diagnosed at just two years old and has now begun treatment again at Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Tara shared the emotional toll on her family: “It’s a very tough time for myself and my family at the moment. Today is the start of a long journey that we didn’t think we would be going through again.”
With three young boys to care for and unable to work during Harvey’s treatment, Tara is facing significant financial strain, compounded by the recent loss of her own mother. The family hopes to raise £1,000 to help with living expenses and have already received £525 from 21 generous donations.
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Family friend Rebecca Ferguson expressed the community’s concern: “Harvey’s resilience is incredible—he beat a brain tumour when he was two, and now we are rallying around them again. Tara is managing so much, including the recent loss of her mum. Any support, even £1, would mean the world to them.”
Every year in the UK, over 12,000 people are diagnosed with primary brain tumours, with around 500 cases in children and young people annually, according to the NHS. Factors such as age, genetics, and radiation exposure may play roles, but often the causes remain unknown. Treatment outcomes can vary widely; tumours may be benign or malignant.
The Brain Tumour Charity highlights the uncertainty faced by families: “Doctors are not always able to explain why children develop tumours. Often, the answer is that we just do not know, which can make parents feel helpless. Brain tumours are nobody’s fault.”
Support for Harvey and his family can be provided through donations or by sharing their fundraiser to raise awareness.