A MOTHER undergoing chemotherapy for brain cancer is helping to raise awareness of the disease in the run-up to Christmas. 

Vicki Hilborn, 31, is part way through 12 rounds of chemotherapy after she was diagnosed with a grade three astrocytoma in 2017. 

The mother to two-year-old Aubrey has endured five operations and gruelling radiotherapy.

The treatment caused Vicki to have seizures which are now controlled by medication. 

Vicki, from Saltash, said: “I’ll be taking my chemo tablets this Christmas but I won’t let that stop me from making memories with my family. 

“Aubrey is just starting to understand about Father Christmas who she calls ‘Ho Ho’. 

“I recognise firsthand the unpredictability of brain tumours which is why I want to enjoy the time I am here because I know that can change instantly.” 

Vicki has lent her voice to a video message as part of an awareness-raising online Advent calendar hosted by the Brain Tumour Research charity. 

The calendar was launched with a message from Antiques Roadshow expert Theo Burrell, who is a Brain Tumour Research patron and a glioblastoma (GBM) patient. 

The charity hopes the poignant stories the calendar contains will inspire visitors to make a donation.

Vicki said: “It should be a case of, ‘you have been diagnosed with this type of brain tumour, here is the treatment plan’. 

“Instead, it seems to often be a one-size fits all, but we know that isn’t true. 

“Brain tumours are complex and if we are to stop people from dying then we must have the investment into research.” 

Mel Tiley, from Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Vicki for sharing her story and we wish her well in her ongoing treatment. 

“Unfortunately, Vicki’s story is not uncommon. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. 

“This December, please help us raise awareness of the indiscriminate nature of brain tumours, raise vital funds to get us closer to our vision of a cure and bring hope to everyone affected by this devastating disease. 

“You can see all the videos so far by visiting www.braintumourresearch.org/advent-appeal and give the gift of hope this season.” 

The charity funds research and also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.