Brain Tumour Ireland
The Ronnie Fehily Foundation
Brain Tumour Ireland was founded in 2012 by a small group of people caring for a family member who was sadly lost to a Brain Tumour.
As a national organisation our aim is to continue to fight the battle against the disease in her honour. Through Brain Tumour Ireland (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.
As a fully registered member of the Charities Regulator, Brain Tumour Ireland is compliant with all rules and regulations concerning fundraising, both online and traditional.
Brain Tumour Ireland
Registered Charity Number: 20102128
Revenue Number: 20506
Vision
Brain Tumour Ireland envisions a society where all people affected by brain tumours are treated with dignity and respect, and have access to effective treatment, quality services and up-to-date information.
Mission
Brain Tumour Ireland’s mission is to provide information and support to people with brain tumours, their carers/family/friends, as well as to medical and other relevant professionals. We aim to raise awareness of brain tumours, and advocate for Ireland to be a world leader in brain tumour research, diagnosis, treatment and care.
Values
Inclusive and non-discriminatory
We are inclusive. This means that we aim to communicate with the general public and the brain tumour community in a way that will be understood by people with language barriers, literacy difficulties or impaired cognitive functions.
We are non-discriminatory, meaning that in the provision of services, support and information, we do not discriminate based on gender, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, ability, family status, marital status or membership of the travelling community.
Open and transparent
Brain Tumour Ireland is open in its governance and financial activities; we publish our annual accounts showing how our stakeholders’ contributions are spent for the benefit of the brain tumour community. Our policies and procedures are formulated in such a way as to ensure good governance and at all times we seek to be compliant with the Governance Code for non-profit organisations.
Ambitious and forward thinking
Brain Tumour Ireland is committed to supporting progress in relation to brain tumour research and treatment. This means that we actively seek opportunities to support brain tumour research and promote it through fundraising and raising awareness. We would like Ireland to be a world leader in brain tumour research and treatment.
Client focused
We prioritise people affected by brain tumours. Their needs inform all of our work, both internally and with clients and partners. We aim to provide high quality support and information to all those affected by brain tumours.
Peer-led
We believe that people affected by brain tumours are experts by virtue of their experience and are well-placed to lead Brain Tumour Ireland in achieving our objectives. This means that people affected by brain tumours, including patients and their families/ carers, are represented at Board level in the organisation, and regularly consulted in decision making and planning for the organisation.
Partnership-focused
We value partnership with other organisations in Ireland and abroad, whose aims are similar to those of Brain Tumour Ireland. Wherever possible, we seek out opportunities to share knowledge, increase efficiency and improve our services by working with other organisations.
Our Team
Fiona Keegan
Fiona Keegan was appointed National Coordinator of Brain Tumour Ireland in March 2017.
She has a background in psychotherapy and has worked for over 15 years in the voluntary sector, supporting vulnerable people and their families.
Fiona’s previous role involved working with a charity in which she developed the support services available for people living with a chronic condition in Ireland.
Fiona’s primary role within Brain Tumour Ireland is to build on the work which has already started in providing first class support services for people with a brain tumour and their families and carers.
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.
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.
Ciara Peters
Ciara is originally from Carlow but now lives in Dublin.
She works in the legal sector and has a particular interest in the medico-legal field and clinical risk management.
Ciara joined the Board of Brain Tumour Ireland in 2016 following the passing of her Dad, Willie.
She is involved in the communication and fundraising committee.
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.
Naomi Roche
Naomi is one of the founding members of Brain Tumour Ireland.
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 is a qualified Social Worker with over ten years’ experience.
Bryan Nolan
Bryan Nolan is an experienced Training and Facilitation Consultant specialising in a person-centred approach to Healthcare, Teamwork, Life Transitions, End of Life Care and Compassionate conversations.
Bryan’s career spans over 30 years; he has 23 years’ experience working at the coal face in healthcare chaplaincy in both the Rotunda and Beaumont hospitals.
For the last 13 years Bryan worked with the Irish Hospice Foundation, initially as a development coordinator for the Hospice Friendly Hospitals programme in Dublin North East, and latterly as a senior trainer/ facilitator, developing and delivering high quality education to healthcare staff all over Ireland in every healthcare setting. His unique depth and breadth of experience enables him to deliver a wide range of programmes from maternity/paediatric to older age.
As an experienced facilitator Bryan has worked with the National Cancer Control Programme, training facilitators to deliver the IHF ‘Delivering Bad News’ training programme. He has consulted with the Scottish NHS to help develop their education strategy and resources for end of life, bereavement and loss. He has also provided consultancy services to many other national and third level organisations.
Sandra Doyle
Sandra is a retired University Administrator.
She is a founding member of Brain Tumour Ireland as a result of losing a sister to a GBM in 2012.
She believes 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/Communications, and Support Services sub-committees.
Eloise Cowie
Eloise is a nurse manager in Beaumont Hospital.
She has over 20 years experience in Neurosurgical nursing, providing support and education to patients with Brain tumours and their families.
Eloise has a strong belief in patient centred care and advocates for improving quality and access for the patient and family.
Eloise is originally from New Zealand and now lives in County Meath with her husband and three children.
The Ronnie Fehily Foundation CHY20506. Founded in 2012 by a small group of people caring for a family member who was sadly lost to a Brain Tumour.
