On Friday 18th November, The Brain Tumour Charity’s Young Ambassadors turned DJs for an hour as they took over BBC Radio 2 as part of the BBC Children in Need Radio 2 takeover day, hosted by Scott Mills.
For our Young Ambassadors, many of the songs they selected held a special meaning to their personal brain tumour journey.
Several chose songs by The Wanted, serving as a tribute to the late Tom Parker. Tom sadly passed away in March this year from a glioblastoma brain tumour.
The takeover ended with ‘Gold Forever (For Tom)’ by The Wanted, a song that has meant so much to the Young Ambassadors this year.
The song was originally borne from a request of Tom’s family to play Gold Forever at his memorial. The band wanted to create a new and more fitting version of the song. Following the response from fans, The Wanted and Island Records then released the single for download in April. They very generously chose to donate all net proceeds during the first 12 months to The Brain Tumour Charity.
I find that Gold Forever (For Tom) is a really powerful reminder of why I wanted to get involved with the charity. Tom Parker highlighted how indiscriminate brain tumours are, how anyone could be affected, and how communities can come together to create change"
-Madi, Young Ambassador
Young Ambassadors
Young Ambassador Lauren put forward The Wanted’s song as a reminder of personal strength and to never give up, “Sometimes times are tough, tougher than anyone could ever anticipate. Know that you’re not alone. Sparkle with a smile, as much as the stars in the sky and take each day at a time. After years of self-doubt, consciousness of my disability and lack of motivation I’m no longer that person anymore. My experiences with The Brain Tumour Charity have taught me not to be ashamed to be me, not to hide from people seeing there’s something wrong. Be proud of you and be proud of your experience. Most of all, stand tall.”
Other tracks chosen by the Young Ambassadors included Heroes by David Bowie, Stronger by Kelly Clarkson and Adore You by Harry Styles.
Amy chose Fight Song by Rachel Platten in remembrance of her mum: “This was my mum’s song throughout her illness and was something that was positive for her in her fight, so it is a song that will always be special to me and our family!”
In case you missed the takeover, you can always catch up on BBC Sounds.
BBC Children in Need
We’re so grateful that BBC Children in Need have supported our Children and Families Service since 2009. BBC Children in Need have generously awarded The Brain Tumour Charity with grants totalling over £400,000 to date.
In the last year, Children in Need’s funding has enabled us to provide support to 195 individual children affected by a brain tumour. Their current grant is helping our service make real a difference by:
- helping children and young people to feel less isolated through face-to-face support
- improving the emotional well-being of teenagers affected by a brain tumour, through use of our social media groups, individual support and twice yearly events with our Young Ambassador team
- enabling children and young people to feel more confident during their own, or a loved one’s brain tumour journey, by accessing a range of age-appropriate and relevant information.
Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40. We need to do more if we’re going to find a cure. The Brain Tumour Charity is investing in more innovative research to double survival and halve the harm.