THE mum of a Solihull youngster who has battled a brain tumour is setting up a support group for sufferers of what she has dubbed "the forgotten cancer". Ann Atkins says she felt something needed to be done to help families and individuals who find themselves in the same situation her family did when six-year-old Iona was first diagnosed. Iona had her latest brain scan under general anaesthetic on Monday, as the new support group for brain tumour patients and their families was launched by her mum in the West Midlands. Iona, from Olton, had ten hours of brain surgery in 2007 to remove a slow-growing tumour called Craniopharyngioma but there are signs the tumour has returned. On Monday she had an MRI scan to assess the problem. At the same time, the West Midlands Brain Tumour UK Support Group was unveiled at Brain Tumour UK's national conference being held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground. The support group is being led by Ann Atkins and by Birmingham brain tumour patient Jean Tomlinson. It is backed by Brain Tumour UK, the national charity for brain tumour patients, their families, friends and carers. Brain Tumour UK helps by making connections, providing information and funding research. "Often it is not possible to say 'everything will be all right'," said Ann. "But there was no aftercare at all. We had no idea what to expect when we got Iona home. I'd love her to be able to speak to other children who have had the same type of surgery. "I'd like my other daughter, Alex, who is 11, to have some kind of support. She must have tremendous doubt and uncertainty about the future, and that applies to any parent's or patient's perspective, too. But there was nothing available." Jean Tomlinson, who had to give up her teaching job and driving when a brain tumour began to affect her vision, was also dismayed to find no support. "I'd never been ill and in the past I'd said to others 'keep busy', 'stay positive' and 'look on the bright side'. Now, I know that can be the last thing you want people to say. What you really want is some honest support from other people who know exactly what you are going through." Brain Tumour UK's chief executive, Jenny Baker, said: "Feeling alone and uncertain only adds to the burden of a brain tumour. We want to ensure that patients and their carers can share their worries, understand the problems and feel more in control of their situation. This support group, like our others, will be a major benefit to the West Midlands." ..SUPL: | 
