Wild Youth’s Conor O’Donohoe will appear as a special guest at a Brain Tumour Ireland webinar, tonight, Tuesday 31 October at 6:30pm.

The online event, titled Brain Wise : Living Well with a Brain Tumour, has been organised by Brain Tumour Ireland as part of International Brain Tumour Awareness week.

Conor sadly lost his mum, Jackie, to a brain tumour in 2011. Being just 17-years-old at the time, the Eurovision singer will speak about how he navigated that time, how that event spurred him to live his very best life, and how his mum continues to inspire him.

“My mum was my whole world and that world got turned upside down when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour,” said Conor. “I was lucky to be able to create some really special memories with her. I remember when mum would be going to chemo, we would go together, we would get lunch beforehand and then go home together and watch a movie.

“My advice to others who may be supporting a family member who has been diagnosed with a brain tumour is to simply be there for them, to give them your love and support, and to stay positive.

“Have patience if they need to walk more slowly or are forgetful, and do whatever you can to lift their spirits. Be grateful for every second that you have and appreciate every moment.”

📢 Have you checked out the events for our 2023 Awareness Week?https://t.co/Bm82GVlh9J pic.twitter.com/8Pd9bMFKkT

— Brain Tumour Ireland (@braintumourIRL) October 18, 2023

The webinar will also see presentations from a dietitian on eating well following treatment for a brain tumour, and jointly from a senior social worker and occupational therapist on navigating relationships at a time of great emotional trauma.

On Wednesday November 1 at 6.30pm, Brain Tumour Ireland will co-host a Brain Tumour Research Update event in collaboration with the Precision Cancer Medicine Group at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).

RCSI researchers, led by Prof. Annette Byrne, will discuss ongoing work to identify treatments for glioblastoma, including new ways to deliver drugs targeted directly at tumours. The event will be held in person at the RCSI, 123 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

A new online support group for parents is also being launched as part of the week, to complement the existing online patient and family support groups. Full information on all the events taking place as part of International Brain Tumour Awareness Week can be found at www.braintumourireland.com.

For more information on brain tumours, contact Brain Tumour Ireland on 085 7219000.  Alternatively, a Guide for Patients and Families on Brain Tumours newly-developed by Beaumont Hospital in partnership with Brain Tumour Ireland is available by emailing [email protected]

For all the latest information on activities taking place as part of International Brain Tumour Awareness Week, visit www.braintumourireland.com or follow on social media: Facebook @braintumourireland; Instagram @brain_tumour_ireland; and Twitter @braintumourirl.