On 7 February 2013, Claire Bullimore — better known as Aunty M—and her mum, Eileen B, introduced themselves to Croydon Radio (Podcast) listeners for the very first time.
This special archive episode takes us back to the beginning of the Aunty M Brain Tumours radio journey: a warm Thursday lunchtime show created to share encouragement, raise awareness and provide companionship to people affected by brain tumours.
As Claire and Eileen said at the time:
“It’s Aunty M and Eileen B—time to make a cup of tea!”
Listen to the first show
Brain Tumour Thursday — 7 February 2013
Archive note: The original Croydon Radio broadcast included commercially released music, which was covered by the radio station’s music licence at the time. The music has been removed from this archive version so that the spoken programme can be shared on the Aunty M Brain Tumours website.
Where the Aunty M Brain Tumour radio journey began
This was Claire Bullimore and Eileen Bullimore’s first opportunity to introduce themselves, explain the purpose of the programme and welcome listeners into the Aunty M Brain Tumours community.
The idea was simple: listeners could make a cup of tea, take a break from their day and spend some time in friendly company.
Although the programme was created with the brain tumour community at its heart, Claire and Eileen wanted it to be welcoming to anyone who needed encouragement or a Thursday afternoon pick-me-up.
A show inspired by personal experience
Claire is herself a brain tumour survivor, so she understood how important encouragement, understanding and positive messages could be following a diagnosis.
Rather than creating a programme that focused only on difficult medical information, Claire and Eileen wanted the show to feel personal, uplifting and human.
The programme welcomed people living with a brain tumour, survivors, family members, friends, carers and anyone whose life had been affected by a diagnosis.
It also invited listeners who might not have had any direct connection to brain tumours but simply needed some friendly company.
Claire and Eileen: a mother-and-daughter duo
One of the special things about the original radio programme was the relationship between Claire and her mum.
Claire brought her experience as a brain tumour survivor, while Eileen brought the perspective of a mother who had supported her daughter through diagnosis, surgery and recovery.
Together, they created a relaxed mother-and-daughter programme built around conversation, companionship and encouragement.
This first episode captures the beginning of that partnership and the natural warmth that would become an important part of the Aunty M Brain Tumours radio shows.
What was Brain Tumour Thursday?
At the time of this broadcast, people around the world used Thursdays to share brain tumour facts, statistics and personal stories online.
The aim of Brain Tumour Thursday was to help more people understand the reality of brain tumours and to make the experiences of patients and families more visible.
The radio programme became another way for Claire and Eileen to contribute to that awareness while also providing something positive for listeners.
Tea, conversation and community
The original programme included music, listener messages and conversation between Claire and Eileen.
Listeners were encouraged to join the Croydon Radio shout box and tell Claire and Eileen how their day was going.
That interaction helped the programme feel less like a formal broadcast and more like a community gathering—a place where people could listen, participate and know that they were not alone.
Although the licensed music has been removed from this archive recording, the conversations preserve the atmosphere and original purpose of the show.
Topics covered in this episode
In this introductory programme, Claire and Eileen discuss:
- Who Aunty M and Eileen B are
- Why they wanted to create the radio show
- Claire’s personal connection to the brain tumour community
- The importance of encouragement after a diagnosis
- Brain Tumour Thursday and raising awareness
- Who the programme was created to support
- Their plans for a positive and welcoming weekly show
- Inviting listeners to make a cup of tea and join the conversation
Why this recording is important
This episode is more than an old radio recording. It documents the beginning of an important chapter in the history of Aunty M Brain Tumours.
The technology, language and style of broadcasting may have changed since 2013, but the purpose remains familiar: helping people affected by brain tumours feel heard, supported and less alone.
It also shows how Claire’s work developed from sharing her own experience into interviewing patients, survivors, family members, campaigners, researchers and medical professionals.
Episode information
Original programme: Brain Tumour Thursday
Presenters: Aunty M and Eileen B
Original broadcaster: Croydon Radio
Original broadcast date: 7 February 2013
Format: Radio programme and audio podcast
Archive version: Spoken programme with licensed music removed
About Aunty M Brain Tumours
Aunty M Brain Tumours was founded by brain tumour survivor Claire Bullimore to share real experiences, helpful information and conversations with people affected by brain tumours.
Through articles, podcasts, interviews and patient stories, Claire has worked to ensure that people living with a diagnosis—and the people supporting them—have a place where their experiences can be heard.
Important information
The experiences and opinions shared in this programme are personal and should not replace individual medical advice.
Always speak to an appropriately qualified healthcare professional about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment or concerns relating to your health.
