Brain Tumour Charity Head Collects MBE

Wednesday, 25 October 2023 at 13:15

The Head of Jersey Brain Tumour Charity, Sue May, has received her MBE at Windsor Castle for her services to the community.

Sue was one of three islanders recognised in the King's first New Year's honours list of his reign.

She told us it was like to get the accolade from HRH Princess Ann

"As I walked towards her I was so surprised by how much she reminded me of the late Queen Elizabeth and when she spoke she sounded very similar.

"She was very well briefed on Jersey and the Channel Islands and she was dealing with up to 100 people that day but she knew exactly the work I'd done and the work I'd been involved in."

While picking up her award Sue was able to have a short conversation with the Princess Royal.

"She was very concerned about how I'd got there that day because I think she thought I'd flown in from Jersey, but I actually live in Wales now so we just drove over.

She was very well versed and understanding of the cause of brain tumours and one of the comments I remember her making is that it is just as much about the families and children as it is for the patients."

Sue founded the charity in 2011, following her own experience with a brain tumour in 2011.

She found that there was very little support for survivors in Jersey.

"I felt we were able to fill a need in the island and obviously it has grown over the years. I have a lot of gratification when I look at the number of people who have passed through our doors and who we have helped."