A Hexham mother has launched a new counselling charity in memory of her son, who died aged 22 after an aggressive brain tumour. Lorraine Whitfield has set up the Ryan Castle Foundation to support young adults facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, as well as their loved ones.

Ryan Castle died in 2021, 17 months after doctors found the tumour. His mother said the foundation was inspired by the way he responded to his illness and his determination to help other people, even after learning he had little time left.

“The first thing Ryan did when he found out he didn't have long was to go around the country supporting other charities. I want to continue that however I can. Ryan was such an incredible son and a key member of our family.”

Ryan had worked as a programmer and teacher and was in a long-term relationship with his partner, Caitlin, while planning their future. Following his diagnosis, he became a prolific blogger, supporting other people with cancer and trying to demystify the experience of treatment.

Support for people aged 18 to 40

The foundation’s services are intended for people aged 18 to 40 who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, together with their loved ones. People who may need support can contact Lorraine by email to self-refer.

Whitfield is also seeking counsellors who can volunteer one hour a week. She said she wanted to reach people who could benefit from the service, while also connecting with charities, health services and other organisations that may be able to collaborate with the foundation.

“I am currently trying to spread the word about the support we offer, to those who may need our services. I am also looking for fellow counsellors to come on board and volunteer an hour a week of their time.”

The foundation is still in its early stages. Whitfield said nobody involved is taking a wage and that she has paid the costs so far. She said all donations are intended to go towards counselling.

The organisation needs to raise £5,000 before it can register officially as a charity, a step Whitfield said would open up further opportunities. She has already been meeting larger charities that are interested in the foundation’s work and hopes to build more connections.

‘He’s never far away’

Whitfield said Ryan had encouraged her not to delay plans to help others. She recalled that he had told her she was always saying she would do it “one day”, but that sometimes one day never comes.

For Whitfield, creating the foundation is also a way of maintaining a connection with her son and carrying forward the spirit he showed during his illness.

“It's wonderful, and it's a way in which I am still his mother. We can still have that sort of relationship in that sense - and it's as though we are working together. He's never far away.”

The Ryan Castle Foundation is now looking for donations, volunteer counsellors and organisations that may be able to share information or work alongside it.