A former nurse from Penzance who is living with the terrifying uncertainty of a benign brain tumour has welcomed the launch of a pioneering new research centre.

Heather Taylor-Nicholson, 54, whose inoperable tumour was diagnosed four years ago, toured the laboratories where groundbreaking work is taking place and met the scientists dedicated to improving outcomes for thousands of patients like her – and, ultimately, finding a cure.

Work being carried out at the new Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence in Plymouth could help those living with low-grade tumours.

Heather was among patients, carers, scientists, clinicians and charities from across the UK who gathered for the launch of the historic new partnership between the charity Brain Tumour Research and Plymouth University. Together they have established a new Research Centre of Excellence, bringing a sharp focus on some of the most overlooked forms of brain tumours.

Heather said: “I was eventually diagnosed with an inoperable low-grade meningioma brain tumour after collapsing at work. I have lost my 32-year career as a nurse and can no longer drive.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen but I do know that I’m here now and I want to live my life while I can and hopefully be of some use to the community.”

Around 4,300 people are diagnosed with a low-grade brain tumour in the UK each year. Generally referred to as benign, these types of brain tumour, which includes meningioma, ependymoma and acoustic neuroma, are graded one or two on a scale of four. The lower grade tumours are non-cancerous whereas grades three and four are cancerous, faster growing and often more immediately life-threatening.

Slower-growing tumours are not immediately cancerous, but they can be just as devastating and bring equally dangerous and debilitating effects to patients and their families.

They can cause neurological conditions including loss of balance, weakness, memory loss, poor hearing, epilepsy, and personality changes.

Also attending the launch was Derek Thomas, Conservative candidate for St Ives Constituency, who said: “My motivation for pursing politics comes from the many personal and challenging experiences that I hear when I meet people. We have made significant progress in this fight but I recognise there is still a considerable amount of research required. I have travelled up from West Cornwall to show my support for the launch of this vital research centre.”

To make a £5 donation on a smart phone or tablet text RSCH06 £5 to 70070 to support the research.

For more information about the partnership with the charity Brain Tumour Research in Plymouth and to get involved visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/campaign