Natalya Jagger - trustee and founder

In 2005 following the loss of my soulmate, Damian, I met my best friend, Andrew. For a year he supported me through some difficult times but, in June 2006 the tables turned when Andrew's daughter, Rose, was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme IV. Rose underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy but, sadly, just 5 months after surgery and following a short stay in hospital Rose passed away on Saturday 11th November, 2006.

At the start of 2007, along with Andrew, I began fundraising for Clatterbridge Cancer Research and Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology in memory of, Rose.

Since Rose's diagnosis I have also been collecting allsorts of information on high grade brain tumours and in mid 2008 I began placing that information on a new website. In March 2009 I launched BT Buddies, a website offering information, inspiration and hope to anyone affected by a high grade brain tumour. The site has gone from strength to strength and currently receives around 2,000 new visitors every month.

I am currently working on Paediatric BT Buddies (amongst other things!), which is aimed at parents of children with a brain tumour. The launch of the paediatric site is set for the November 2009. I also maintain BT Buddies, ensuring it's up to date and providing quality information as well as 4 other websites. My duties also include managing all the fundraising activities and helping to raise awareness of brain tumours.

Recently Andrew and I made the decision to register as a charity and we hope to receive our registered charity number any day now.

Andrew McGill - Trustee and Webmaster

Hi!

OK, as my username here suggests my name is Andrew and I am the proud father of Rose. Natalya began collating BT information whilst Rose was receiving treatment for her Glioblastoma multiforme and rather than just leave the information in the binders she filled her research continued and BT Buddies is the result!

For my sins (and there are many) I am now the webmaster for BT Buddies, Paediatric BT Buddies and Rosebuddies and, in my day job I am a software release manager for a major Insurance Company.

If I have any spare time left then I can be found out and about with my camera snapping just about everything I see!

I will most likely be online here at least once a day so post away in the forums or pm me if you have any questions and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Your BT Buddy - Andrew

Tony Murphy - Trustee

Tony has been a valuable source of support, particularly to Natalya, and without him BT Buddies would not have come as far as it has.

We are grateful to Tony for accepting his invitation to become a trustee and look forward to working with him over the coming months.

Sarah Mawdsley - Trustee and Treasurer

DAVID GRANT - TRUSTEE

Rina Caffarella - Co-Webmaster

Greetings all

I have had the pleasure and the privilege of getting to know Natalya over the last few years. She is an extraordinary woman and her unwavering dedication to Rose's cause, even during her own ongoing personal trials, is truly an inspiration.

When asked if I would lend my meagre webby skills to BT Buddies, I could not help but say yes..... because T was threatening to divulge my deepest darkest secrets if I did not agree to

I shall do my best to help when or if website issues arise and should anyone come across a site problem or bug, please let either Andi or I know about it.

Cheers,
Rina.