About Us
Why Andrea’s Gift was Founded
In October 2001 Andrea Key was told by doctors that she had an aggressive brain tumour, and she
was given twelve months to live. On 16 May 2002, aged just 42, Andrea died as a result of that tumour. Andrea’s gift
to the world she left behind was the courage, with which she fought her terrible disease, and the conviction she gave to her
friends and family – a conviction that in future more could be done to fight this disease through research and patient
support. It was this conviction that lead to the formation of Andrea’s Gift.
Andrea, like all who succumb to a brain tumour, was more than just a name. When she lost her
fight with that tumour – a highly malignant grade 4 glioblastoma – she was the mother of two teenage children.
She had a job that took her around the world and a life that made every moment count – swimming, dancing, water skiing,
fell walking. Andrea’s love was for life, and she was fiercely independent with it.
Then, the tumour hit. The independent woman had to be cared for and her quality of life diminished
as the drugs and the treatment increased. During her last Christmas, in 2001, the fits began and she was diagnosed epileptic.
Family and friends cared for her 24/7, but by now they feared the worst. They watched helplessly as the disease took control
of her body and her life.
Her personality, though, was never eclipsed and her dignity, bravery and strength were and remain
an inspiration to so many.
Ultimately, the tumour took away Andrea’s life in May 2002. It is
in her name, and for the honour and hope of so many in the future, that Andrea’s Gift is taking on the battle direct
– we owe this much to everyone fighting brain tumours in Yorkshire today and tomorrow.
Objectives
Andrea’s Gift set its objectives as follows:
1. To
raise funds to support specific and dedicated research projects into the treatment and cure of child and adult brain tumours,
and to ensure that all research is written up for publication and communicated with other charities and research organisations;
2.
To provide grants or financial assistance to brain tumour patients and their carers;
3.
To provide equipment and apparatus to hospital wards, patients or research centres.
How Andrea’s Gift Helps People
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Andrea’s Gift works across Yorkshire and helps people with brain tumours by raising funds
for specific projects and aims:
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To establish, fund and support a Yorkshire based brain tumour research centre;
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To offer equipment and apparatus for the care of patients with brain tumours;
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To provide
grants and financial assistance to brain tumour patients and their carers – to find out if you are eligible to receive
a financial grant from Andrea’s Gift, please follow the link to the Status Grant Form and complete the details requested.
Working with the Brain Tumour Support Group to provide financial help to allow the neuro oncology
nurse specialist and neuro occupational therapist to be able to provide resources and materials and to fund a Christmas party
and summer BBQ for patients and carers.
In order to be successful in the delivery of the charity objectives, we have to ensure that sufficient
funds are raised to maintain the charity commitments, and that is the difficult part. Any help or support you can give
us will be greatly appreciated.
The Andrea's Gift annual audited accounts are now available to download. Please
follow the link below for the year you wish to view.
Accounts 2006
Accounts 2005
Accounts 2004
