Abi Smith raises funds for brain tumour research

Abi Smith turns a cancer journey into a community wellness event to raise funds and awareness.

Brain tumour diagnosis spurs charity drive by Abi Smith

Abi Smith, now 30, was 24 when double vision and weakness in her limbs led to a brain tumour diagnosis after a long flight to the United States. A CT scan abroad did not show the issue, and the condition was confirmed only after an MRI in Birmingham in July 2019. Since then, she has left her PR job and focused on giving back, designing positivity cards for fellow patients and donating a portion of profits to Brain Tumour Research. She has raised almost £2,000 over four years and now plans a wellness day called Body Boost. The event, set for September 6 at Stirchley Baths, costs £35 to attend and will feature yoga, meditation, a nutrition talk and an expressive dance class, plus a raffle with local prizes from Birmingham vendors.

The aim is twofold: support mental and physical fitness for people affected by cancer and raise awareness and funds for research. Abi is keen to spotlight local Birmingham businesses by using Brummy vendors for the day and to involve the broader community in wellbeing activities that can help people cope with the disease.

Abi’s story spotlights the way personal hardship can spark community action. It also underscores a point often raised in health care: initial screenings can miss serious conditions. In Abi’s case a CT scan failed to detect the tumour, while the MRI confirmed it, illustrating why MRI is critical in certain scenarios. Her wellness day model shows how a local, practical approach can both fund research and reduce stigma by framing cancer care as a shared, positive journey. The piece suggests that resilience, local networks, and clear goals can turn adversity into long‑term support for patients and families.

Highlights

Care comes alive when communities turn concern into action.