Brain tumour: Tyler

Published: 8 March 2018

In September 2013 Tyler Manley was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of eight.

Following surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Tyler returned to school, although she was left with a serious brain injury.

It was not until Tyler moved to secondary school that her difficulties with memory, fatigue, concentration and balance became more apparent.

Tyler also felt increasingly isolated and was quickly losing confidence.

Katy James, Head of The Children’s Trust Brain Injury Community Service, said: “Things that come naturally to children as they get older such as getting organised for school, completing tasks or simply fitting in with peer groups, can present real challenges for children with a brain injury.

“This can lead to isolation and them not being able to participate fully in society.”

Tyler’s mum Liz looked for support for Tyler. She found the Brain Injury Community Service (BICS).

Support included ensuring Tyler received the right assistance in class and gaining input from local therapy teams so that Tyler continued to improve.

Mum Liz said: “It’s been a very difficult few years, and at times it felt like nobody was listening.

“The Brain Injury Community Service has helped us to access the support Tyler needs, and it’s reassuring to know it’s there when we need it.”

Katy explains: “The Brain Injury Community Service, delivered by The Children’s Trust, offers children with acquired brain injury free clinical screening, advice and onward referral after they have been discharged from hospital and at key stages of childhood.”

Tyler and her mum Liz are raising awareness of the help that’s available in the community by featuring in an animated film by the Brain Injury Community Service (see below).

Liz continued: “It was great to be able to do something positive and try to help people going through the same things we have been through.”