Our History

Brainwaves NI was set up in 1992 by patients and carers who realised the immense need for information and support regarding Brain Tumours.

The charity received charitable status in 1994.

Kate Ferguson MBE is one of the founding members after her husband Billy was diagnosed in 1992 with a very rare brain tumour, normally only seen in children.

“We discovered that there was no information or support and with others decided that there was a need for a charity to offer this help for patients and their carers,” said Kate.

Kate’s Story

I was a member of Brainwaves NI for 25 years and was the Hon. Secretary of the charity for over 20 years. I became involved in the charity when my husband Billy was diagnosed in 1992 with a very rare brain tumour normally seen only in children. We met with other families at The Royal Victoria Hospital and soon realised the overwhelming need for information and support for patients and their families facing the same uncertain future we faced. We met regularly for two years and in 1994 Brainwaves NI received charitable status.

Unfortunately when Billy’s tumour returned in 1994 the life that we knew and planned for was now gone. Billy went from being an independent man to a dependent one. This was not how we envisaged our life. This is not how it should have been but that was the journey we now found ourselves on. The strength of the charity is that it is managed by patients, carers and our bereaved families and supporting so many families over the years I have realised the privileged position we have been entrusted with.