About Us

Brain Tumour Ireland

The Ronnie Fehily Foundation CHY20506

The charity was founded in 2012 by a small group of people caring for a family member who was sadly lost to a Brain Tumour in early 2012. As a national organisation our aim is to continue to fight the battle against the disease in her honour. Through the Ronnie Fehily Foundation we hope to create a place where people can come for information , guidance and comfort. A place to learn what to expect and a community to provide support.

Fundraising

Ronnie had a determined streak and never liked to give in without a fight. Her determination will live on through the Ronnie Fehily Foundation fundraising initiative specifically dedicated to Brain Tumour Research.

Community

Ronnie was a small lady with a big impact on the lives of many. Through the Ronnie Fehily Foundation she will continue to help and support others while creating a strong caring Community.

Simple & Clear Information

Never lost for words Ronnie always got to the point …eventually! The Ronnie Fehily Foundation will help to answer your questions a little bit quicker at every stage of Your Journey

Our Goals

Raise Awareness & Education

To raise awareness of and promote education about Brain Tumours.

Inform & Support

To provide information and support to Brain Tumour patients and their families/friends.

Promote & Fund Research

To promote and fund medical research on the topic of Brain Tumours in Ireland and abroad.

Our Team

Naomi Roche

Naomi co-founded Brain Tumour Ireland along with some other family members in November 2012. She is currently the Secretary and a member of the Patient Advocacy and Support Sub-Committee in Brain Tumour Ireland. Naomi lost her mother to a GBM (Grade 4 Brain Tumour) in January 2012 and since then has been actively working on trying to improve services for Brain Tumour Patients and their Carers in Ireland. Naomi also sits on the Irish Cancer Society’s National Brain Tumour Working Group and hopes to use this as a platform to try to increase the amount of funding currently allocated to Brain Tumour Research and also to highlight the specific needs of Brain Tumour Patients as opposed to other cancer patients. Naomi lives in County Kildare with her husband Alan and daughter Lucyanne. Naomi is by background a qualified Optometrist and Social Worker. She has in the past worked as a Medical Social Worker in a Hospice and as a result has a particular interest in Palliative Care. She would like to see improved and earlier access to palliative care services for any brain tumour patient who requires it.

Sandra Doyle

Sandra has been a University Administrator at University College Dublin for over 25 years. She is married to Jimmy and has 2 adult children. Sandra is a founder member of Brain Tumour Ireland, and is sister to Ronnie after whom this charity is named. She believes strongly in empowering both patients and families with the information they need whilst going through the trauma of a serious illness. Sandra through her many contacts in both UCD and the sporting world, is bringing her experience to bear on the Fundraising and Event Planning sub-committees. Sandra has been an active member of her local community over the years, teaching hockey to primary school children, and representing both Leinster and Connacht at various levels in hockey, and playing tennis at senior level.

Caroline Kane

Caroline Kane is from Tramore, Co. Waterford.
She was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour in 1984 when she was only 10 years of age.
This tumour affected Caroline’s sight & pituitary gland.
She has gone through many surgeries & treatments including radiotherapy over the past 30 years & thankfully she is doing well.
Caroline is in full time employment working as a Special Needs Assistant in a school for children with special needs in Waterford City.
Caroline was involved in setting up the Cork branch of the Irish Brain Tumour Support Group in 2002 & is currently the Chairperson of that group.

Natasha Smith

Natasha is one of a number of family members who set up Brain Tumour Ireland as a result of the loss of her mother Ronnie in 2012. Since then Natasha has worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness of brain tumours. She attends many events to promote the Charity and liaises with our Patrons. Natasha serves on the Fundraising and Support Committees of Brain Tumour Ireland. Natasha works as an SEN Coordinator in a second level school in Dublin and lives in Kilkenny with her husband Liam and two daughters.

Jimmy Doyle

Jimmy is a treasury specialist who has 30 years experience in the corporate and banking treasury sectors. He retired in Sept 2014 from his position as a senior consultant in corporate treasury services with PwC in Dublin, having previously served as Director, Treasury in Bank of Scotland (Ireland) Ltd between 1996 and 2010. Prior to this he spent 15 years with Irish Life Assurance plc including 10 years in the treasury department. He is a founder member and former President of the Irish Association of Corporate Treasurers (IACT), director of the European Association of Corporate Treasurers and is also IACT’s representative to the International Group of Treasury Associations which he chaired in 2011. Jimmy serves Brain Tumour Ireland as Treasurer and also in the areas of governance and compliance.