A woman from Crystal Palace has published a book to help people recovering from brain tumours, after battling the disease herself.

Claire Bullimore, 36, has launched her second book, ‘Brain Tumour Recovery Journal’.

The self-help guide reveals tips and information Claire picked up on her own journey, after she was diagnosed in 2008.

Doctors discovered Claire had an intraventricular meningioma when she was 25, after years of suffering from severe headaches. She underwent brain surgery, had to give up her driving licence, her career in the city and she now lives with disabilities and a crippling anxiety disorder.

Claire’s story, however, is one of hope and positivity, as her life-changing diagnosis inspired her to create ‘Aunty M Brain Tumours’, an online support network for other patients and survivors, which lead to her writing her first book, ‘A Brain Tumour Traveller’s Tale’.

Claire said: “I have always enjoyed keeping a diary. I think it dates back to my time at boarding school, when my parents bought me a journal so I had a place to keep track of my thoughts and feelings while I was away from home.

"I continued writing diaries into adulthood and so when I went through my brain tumour diagnosis and treatment, writing about it came naturally to me.

“After the success of my first book, I wanted to create a simple guide, incorporating mindfulness, which provides patients with the survival skills required to navigate life after a brain operation.

“I know from my own experience how scary brain surgery is and the period following the operation was really tough. Now I am further down the road, I wanted to produce a relatable journal, which I hope will enhance people’s lives.”

The journal is aimed not only at patients but also their loved ones, who can gain a better understanding of how to support someone diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Claire added: “I learnt that I was never going to be exactly the same person I was before my symptoms appeared but there is no reason why you can’t enjoy being the ‘new you.’ Having a brain tumour will throw all sorts of challenges your way, from panic attacks, to memory loss, and, in some cases, even the ability to articulate yourself. I want readers to feel empowered, knowing that they can overcome these obstacles.”