Frizington teen attends House of Lords to promote charity Tom's Trust

18-year-old Jamie Brannon was invited to the House of Lords late last month after being recognised for his work with charity Tom's Trust. 

Jamie was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2020 at the age of 14. Following his diagnosis, he had proton beam radiotherapy at Christies in Manchester to treat the tumour.

Jamie’s tumour affected his pituitary gland, as well as his optic nerve and eyes, which led to vision problems and other issues.

Jamie found returning to school a difficult time. He was moved down a year, and lost many of his original friends. Jamie was keen to share his brain tumour story to help others facing a similar diagnosis - and so became an ambassador for the charity.

Jamie was then invited to a reception in Parliament, hosted by comedian Dara O'Briain, to promote the work of the charity.

Comedian Dara O'Briain speaking to the Frizington student (Image: Tom's Trust) He said: "I absolutely love speaking to new people and talking about my journey and also the after effects, so it was just a really incredible evening.

"To be invited to go down there to the House of Lords to talk about my story, and hopefully motivate others as well to support other families... it was just incredible. I am so lucky to be part of such an amazing little charity.

"I was a little bit nervous of course but that was all kind of taken away by how thrilled I was to be going to such an amazing place." 

Jamie's mum Rhona Brannon has said the family are so proud of their son for all the work he has done with the charity in helping other people.

Tom’s Trust is the UK’s only charity dedicated to providing mental health support to children and young people with brain and other central nervous system tumours, and their families. 

Jamie is said to be an amazing ambassador for the charity (Image: Tom's Trust) Laura Bowditch, family liaison coordinator at Tom’s Trust, said: “We are delighted to have Jamie on board. He tells his story so powerfully and has such enthusiasm for helping others.

"Jamie sharing his story will continue to help so many others feel less alone as they face this devastating diagnosis. We are so grateful.”

Rebecca Wood, CEO at Tom’s Trust said: “We were delighted to be invited by Lord Hampton to celebrate the development of our new strategy at the House of Lords.

"With thanks to Dara O'Briain for hosting the evening, and to our wonderful Young Ambassador Jamie for coming along and sharing his story.

"We look forward to sharing our final strategy publicly in the autumn.”