NAILSEA
PEOPLE
Did you know that the government allocated £40m back in2018 for brain cancer research yet to date less than half that funding has been spent.
An e -petition secured the brain cancer research and treatment debate in Westminster on Monday, June 15, attended by North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan and Backwell mum Jane Roberts.
In 12-months the campaign secured more than 109,000 signatures calling for increased funding to accelerate discoveries and clinical trials, improved access to whole-genome sequencing with personalised treatment and the protection of the right of patients to try innovative treatment options.
It is not the first time that Parliament has debated this issue. Just over a decade ago, a petition calling for greater funding for brain tumour research received more than 120,000 signatures, which led to a Petitions Committee inquiry report.
Sarah Owen, MP for Luton North, spoke about Amani Liaquat who died aged 23 and whose parents Khuram and Yasmin have since dedicated their lives to fundraising for brain cancer care.
Ms Owen said: “It’s time we saw the funds released so clinical trials can be rolled out, earlier diagnosis and for a brain tumour to no longer be a life sentence.
Sadik told the committee: “A remarkable North Somerset constituent, Jane, is watching this debate.
“Having been diagnosed in March last year with an incurable brain tumour, Jane has asked me to speak in the debate, because she wants us all to understand what it feels like to be told, ‘treatment will manage your tumour, not cure it'.
“Jane is not just brave, but amazing.”
Since Jane was diagnosed, she has work tirelessly to raise awareness and research funding.
Jane said: “One in three people are impacted by brain tumours.
“They are the biggest cancer killer in those under 40.
“So, Sadik is representing a large community of people who care about this topic.
“The debate contains fantastic speeches from many MPs, honestly, I cried countless times hearing the individual stories.
“The lady next to me had a large picture of her son who had passed away from one and it broke my heart.
“I am so pleased Sadik attended and represented me and others in North Somerset.”
Candlelight to dance floor
Friday and Saturday, March 21-22
SUPER FUNDRAISER: Backwell mum Jane Roberts has been confirmed at part of the Brain Tumour charity team for the London Marathon which is scheduled for Sunday, April 25, next year. It has become an annual, inspiring and colourful fixture in the world’s sporting calendar since the inaugural race on March 29, 1981: a celebration of fun, fundraising and fancy dress. Over the years more than a million people have completed the 26.2-mile course – which runs from Blackheath to The Mall, with a spectacular finish in front of Buckingham Palace, showcasing the very best that the capital city has to offer. What’s more, these participants have raised over a billion pounds for charity and there have been countless amazing tales of human achievement throughout the event’s history – watch this space for more news...
Jane Roberts whose gigantic fundraising concert is features in our gallery is also raising monies for The Brain Tumour Charity by competing in by Newport Half Marathon and the 10k team.
Fourteen members of Nailsea Running Club are taking on the Newport Half marathon and 10k on Sunday, April 19, this year.
Jane was diagnosed with a 'nasty' brain cancer last year which is inoperable and incurable.
She said: "While I am well with it, I want to give back to the charity that have helped me navigate this diagnosis and support me when my world spun upside down.
"I completed the Couch to 5k the week before my diagnosis and have managed to keep up my running ever since - albeit I am pretty slow and find it really hard.
"Doing a half marathon was something that always felt out of reach.
"The only thing that got me to agree is fundraising.
"There is an amazing team of runners assembled to raise as much money as possible for this fab cause.
"Oh and did I mention I am doing it in a giant brain costume.
"Just for extra awareness raising, increased sponsorship and abit of fun!"
The 10k team is made up of Joanna Verity, Diane Middleton and Sarah Hayett.
The half marathon team is Helen Tuck, Rachel Forbes, Mark Forbes, Anna Gow, Fabi Garay, Jodie Pearce, Janine Greening, Paula Hodder, Michelle Cave, Janet Hathway and me.
Jane added: "We would love it if you could sponsor us a few pennies (pounds) to motivate us along the way. Thank you so much, love Jane and the team."
Go to https://www.justgiving.com/team/jane-roberts to support.
The Brain Tumour runners
PRETTY IN PINK: Posted on social media it was announced that Jane wearing a mock 'pink brain' had run the half marathon at Newport for The Brain Tumour Charity in three hours 26 minutes and 30 seconds. A big 'well done Jane, keep on running...
Sarah Hodgson is the Labour Party MP for Washington and Gateshead South and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention.
She said: “I cannot think of a worthier cause than turning brain cancer from terminal to treatable.
“That is something that we can absolutely all get behind.
“I am especially grateful to Brain Cancer Justice, which led the campaign for the petition and this very well-attended debate, as well as Brain Tumour Research and The Brain Tumour Charity.
“They all do fantastic work advocating for people diagnosed with a brain tumour and their loved ones.
“Since this Government came into office, over 232,000 more people got a cancer diagnosis or an all-clear on time, about 42,000 more patients started treatment on time, and rates of early diagnosis are hitting record highs.
“A lot has been done, but there is a lot more to do, especially on rare and less common cancers.
“There are not enough treatment options available for people with brain cancer.
“I have spoken to so many patients and campaigners who are searching for that glimmer of hope on clinical trials.
“This desperate search takes a real toll on them, not to mention their families and carers.
“We will prioritise their access to specialist treatment and multidisciplinary teams, and we want to ensure that all patients with rare cancer can benefit from the best care available.
“We will work with charities to make sure that patients are getting the right information to manage their cancer care.
“We are rolling out Jess’s rule and tracking cancer diagnosed in emergency settings.”
Jane added: “I had a really full-on day in parliament; words I never thought would leave my mouth.
“I’m absolutely shattered and taking time to think how best to summarise the debate before posting a reflective account in my own works on social media.
“But I want to thank all the amazing MPs who turned up, who spoke, shared stores, asked for better solutions, stood by our side and cared.
“It meant the world.”
Follow Jane on Instagram for more details.
To read full debate and background as recorded by Hansard click HERE.
A day in life of living with brain tumour
It takes a village to raise spirits…and that’s what Backwell did for two charity concert nights.
And the song and dance spectacular finished within touching distance of making its £10k target staged in an ancient church which dates back to the 13th century - see update below.
Friday night was like a full dress rehearsal for the Candlelight to Dancefloor concert and added as an extra when the main Saturday night event sold out within days.
The charity concerts on Friday and Saturday, March 21 and 22, at St Andrew’s church, Backwell, was organised by local mum Jane Roberts to mark the anniversary of when she was told she had an incurable brain tumour.
After the diagnosis the following 12-months became a whirlwind of change for Jane and her family and a massive quest to raise awareness and funds for The Brain Tumour Charity.
Jane said: “I was dreading the anniversary and worried it would be a really sad day.
”Friday was mega and Saturday topped expectations.”
North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan was spotted with is wife Katrina dancing in the aisles on the first night.
And Green Party district councillor Bridget Petty was spotted in the stalls on night two along with family, friends and supporters of Jane.
The concert was packed her favourite’90s and ’00s dance classics.
The programme was put together by Backwell School head of performing
arts Steve Clarke and the student orchestra and singers played 22 numbers mostly about love and began with You’re Not Alone.
The strobe lighting and dry ice mist played havoc with the photos but happily convey the amazing atmosphere of the nights.
A raffle with fantastic prizes donated by local businesses and bar staffed by smiley volunteers all added to the fundraising.
HR business partner with a large engineering company Jane, aged 47, is married to Simon and the couple have a 10-year-old daughter.
She added: “The concerts were the big ones but also I have also signed up to do a half marathon in April (dressed as a giant brain for charity) and have a number of other ideas in the pipeline.“
Jane has also launched a local support group – learn more here https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/get-involved/our-supporter-groups/supporter-groups/groups/hope-for-brains-janes-campaign/
Nailsea People published the original story on its December front page here https://www.nailseapeople.com/december-2025-front-page.
UPDATE: Jane posted on social media on Sunday morning: "Had the best two nights ever - copy paste every night for the rest of my life please .Six months ago I had a crazy idea about putting on a concert that sort of merged candlelight classy church events with my favourite 90s music and Candlelight to Dancefloor was born. Still to this day I’m not sure how I persuaded the church to trust me on this or how I got such a wonderful orchestra to learn and arrange 22 songs (absolute bangers!). Thank you Sam Norton and Steve Clarke I had no idea that people would embrace the concept so much and we’d sell out and be able to put on two nights. Amazing. And the support I’ve had to set it all up is incredible. I’ve picked a lot of peoples brains, I’ve fretted about all sorts of decisions and issues, I’ve begged stolen and borrowed so much stuff I feel I've called in all the favours going. I had a fundraising goal in mind and then I doubled it when we had a second night. But it was a stretch. People told me it was ambitious and I said so am I. Thank you so much for donating for buying at the bar and raffle etc. I’m so proud to say We raised over £10,000 from the both nights. This means the world . I fear I may never recover from awesomeness. So many highlights. The performers were so good - I can’t stop singing their versions of my favourite songs. And the rap - I need to see any videos of that as it was so so so so soooo good!! The lighting was next level. It really made the night. I’m on such a high, absolutely buzzing, so so happy that it all went well and you all enjoyed it!"
Jane said: “I really wanted to pass on my huge thanks to the Backwell School Orchestra, and to head of music Steve Clarke and the whole team, for delivering such a phenomenal performance.
“I honestly don’t know how they managed to learn 22 songs (including the raps!), with brand new arrangements and backing tracks, in such a short space of time – but they absolutely smashed it.
“The amount of work that went into learning and perfecting those songs, and then delivering them so confidently and professionally, was just incredible.
“A huge thank you as well to the Rev Sam Norton and St Andrews Church.
“Without you, we simply wouldn’t have had such a special venue.
“The space looked beautiful all lit up and created the most amazing atmosphere and acoustics.
“And I hope the glitter ball made Sunday service extra memorable,
“I wanted to take a moment to properly recognise some of the people and organisations who made it happen…
To our amazing volunteers and helpers – from manning the bar, welcoming everyone at the entrance, and running the raffle, to lending equipment, setting up and clearing down… thank you.
“You worked so hard and gave up your evenings to make this happen, and I couldn’t have done it without you 🤍
Special thanks to Bristol Party Hire Ltd and for your support and flexibility along the way – the lighting completely transformed the space and made the night feel so special.
And to Mark at Cow & Sow - Queen Square for his help behind the scenes with the bar setup – it made a huge difference and was really appreciated.
And every single contribution helped us raise vital funds for The Brain Tumour Charity. Thank you also to Persimmon Homes and Bristol Airport for contributing towards the event.
Thank you also to our local MP Sadik Al-Hassan for North Somerset for his support in helping secure funding for the event and for coming along on the night.
A special thank you as well to Rob for being our brilliant compère on Friday night, and to Shelley LaFleur for stepping in last minute on Saturday – you were both fantastic and kept everything flowing so smoothly.
And finally to my friends and family, thank you for letting me live and breathe this (and not much else!) for the past few months. I really appreciate you, and it meant so much having you there celebrating and enjoying the concert 🤍
They say it takes a village… turns out it really does…
And from Jane a huge list of thank yous
Thank you so much to everyone who donated prizes and supported the raffle. The list includes:
Rob Wilson 2-night stay in St Agnes, Cornwall
Chris Grier 2-night stay in Silverlake, Dorset
Flamingo Candles
Scamp & Dude
Team Sport Karting
Five Acre Farm
David Lloyd Leisure
Mendip Activity Centre
Tesco
Thatchers Cider
Ooh Chocolata
Clevedon Soap Company
Backwell Dental Centre
Wessex Water
Alison Bevan
Bev Ali
Brabantia
Chew Valley Trees
Eaglescott Airfield
Avonmouth Paint & Supplies
Bristol Airport
Farleigh Ridge Vineyard
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
Bristol City Robins Foundation
Parkers Estate Agents
Neptune Bristol
Madder Dyer Upholstery
Anna Gow
Sally Woodlock & family
Tom Leonard
Quarry Gym
Beauty by Leigh
Jax Glam Beauty
Karen Lowe
