Local Assembly Member Paul Davies was among those marking the launch of new support services for brain tumour patients and their families in Wales. Mr Davies joined more than 100 others at The Brain Tumour Charity's Senedd reception on Wednesday evening (June 4th), hosted by AM and Finance Minister Jane Hutt.

Every year around 600 people in Wales are newly diagnosed with a brain tumour – one of the highest rates per head of population of any European country. Across the UK, brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other single type of cancer.

The Brain Tumour Charity funds research into the disease as well as working to raise awareness and offering support and information services, which it is now providing throughout Wales.

Mr Davies said: "The Brain Tumour Charity's services will make a real difference to the hundreds of families affected by this disease every year in Wales and so I was delighted to be able to show my support for the charity's work and to meet some of those whose lives have been touched by brain tumours."

He added, "Over 9,000 people are diagnosed each year with a primary brain tumour, including 500 children and young people. That's 25 people every day! It's absolutely essential that we do all that we can to provide support and information to these people, as soon as possible."

Sarah Lindsell, chief executive of The Brain Tumour Charity, said: "We know that for patients with brain tumours and their families, access to support and reliable information is key to helping them cope.

"Whether someone has just been diagnosed or has lived with a brain tumour for years, the knowledge that they are not alone - that there is an understanding voice nearby – can have a dramatic impact on their quality of life. That is why we are committed to providing our support and information services for patients across Wales."

Michelle Herbert, operations manager for The Brain Tumour Charity in Wales, said: "The key thing for patients and families affected by a brain tumour is that we are here for them, wherever they are in Wales and whatever the support they need. We are providing services throughout Wales, from a base in Wales