Belfast Man Shares How Lifeline Support Helped Him After Two Brain Tumour Diagnoses

Belfast: Curtis Barrett has been through a lot. He was just 23 when he first found out he had a brain tumour in 2017. After surgery, he got support from Young Lives vs Cancer. Their social worker, Simon, was a huge help.

Sadly, in 2021, the tumour came back. This time, it was more aggressive. Curtis had to go through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. He felt angry and confused, asking, “Why me?”

Now, at 30, he’s fit and healthy. He’s back to work and even getting married soon. Curtis credits Simon for being there for him. He introduced him to CrossFit MOVE Forward, which he calls a lifeline.

This Sunday, there’s a post-cancer support day at The MAC Theatre in Belfast. It’s a collaboration between Young Lives vs Cancer and other charities. They’re inviting young people and families for a day of talks and fun activities.

The event is for anyone aged 0 to 24 who has completed cancer treatment. It’s also open to parents and siblings. Curtis attended last year and loved meeting others who understand what he went through.

He learned a lot about fertility and how to check if it’s okay after treatment. He encourages others to join, ask questions, and connect with people. This year, there will be expert talks on managing fatigue, health anxiety, and more.

There will also be sessions for parents and fun activities like yoga and sleep advice. If you know someone who might be interested, they can sign up for the event. It’s a great chance to find support and community.