Hull Woman Battles Terminal Cancer with Community Fundraisers

A woman from Hull, diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, is finding hope through the support of friends and local businesses as she raises funds for potentially life-extending treatment. Louise Jensen, 40, was informed this summer that she has a Grade 4 Glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Doctors have given her a life expectancy of one to two years, prompting her to seek alternative treatments beyond what the National Health Service (NHS) can provide.

After experiencing severe headaches and troubling memory issues, Louise received the devastating diagnosis in June 2023. Glioblastoma has an average survival rate of just 12 to 18 months with treatment, and only around 5% of patients survive five years. Louise’s life was turned upside down in an instant, significantly affecting her mental and physical well-being.

Her partner, Adam Philipson, and her best friend, Becky Brount, have united family, friends, and supporters to raise £80,000 for pioneering treatment at the CeGat German Oncology Centre in Tübingen. This funding will allow for the creation of peptide vaccines tailored to her specific tumor. Since sharing her story, Louise has undergone a course of chemotherapy on the NHS, and over £29,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign, covering the first stage of treatment.

A sample of Louise’s tumor has been sent to Germany for analysis, a process expected to take around five months. Although the treatment cannot cure her cancer, it could help manage the disease and extend her life.

Louise has recently received encouragement from two forthcoming fundraising events. One of these is a comedy and music night, Laugh for Lou, organized by Becky. Scheduled for January 30, 2026, at the Good Fellowship pub in Cottingham Road, Hull, the night will feature performances by stand-up comedians Andy Lane, Steve Rimmer, and Kellii Taylor, alongside music from the emerging band The Airwaves. Becky, who has been a close friend of Louise since 2007, expressed her determination to boost sales for the event and has secured numerous raffle prizes through local businesses.

“I realized that beauty happens when the community comes together to help,” Becky said. With the venue donating the space and local people contributing prizes, she feels hopeful about the event’s success.

Another significant fundraiser, the Ring of Hope boxing event, is set for June 20, 2026, at the Doubletree Hilton in Hull. Organized by Calum Preston, a director at Zenith Developments, the event aims to raise £65,000, which could substantially contribute to Louise’s treatment. After raising £100,000 in a previous event, organizers are optimistic about reaching their target.

“Our goal is to help Louise access treatment that is not available on the NHS,” the organizers stated. “Once we hit our target for Louise, any additional funds will benefit others facing extraordinary hardships.”

In a recent uplifting encounter, Louise met Hull City legend Dean Windass during a train journey to London. Windass, who moved seats to speak with her, even gifted the couple £100 for a treat in the city. “That trip made me realize that everyone is quite caring,” Louise reflected, sharing how the kindness of strangers has made a significant impact on her spirits.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Louise remains grateful for the community’s support. “I’m just so depressed — but how can I be depressed when I’ve got all these lovely people reaching out for me?” she said.

Tickets for Laugh for Lou are priced at £25 and can be purchased by emailing [email protected]. For those interested in supporting the Ring of Hope event, inquiries can be directed to [email protected].

As Louise continues her battle against cancer, the collective efforts of her community provide a beacon of hope for her future.