Concert held in memory of mum who died of aggressive brain tumour

A mum-of-two who died just minutes after marrying the love of her life was the inspiration for a concert to raise awareness of brain tumours.

Louise Simonsen, from Streatham Common, who worked for a homeless outreach service, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumour in November 2018, aged just 41.

Louise, who had two daughters, died nine months later, on the day she married her long-term partner, Shaff Prabatani, 49.

His sister, Shelina, raised more than £2,000 for the charity Brain Tumour Research, with a concert by acclaimed Indian classical and fusion musician, Deepak Pandit.

Shelina, who was at Louise’s bedside when she died on August 12 last year, said: “I feel really honoured to have hosted this one-off evening of musical entertainment to raise money in memory of my dear sister-in-law.

“It is so important to me to raise awareness and prevent others from suffering, not just those diagnosed but all those who are affected; family, friends and communities.

“Too many lives are cut short by brain tumours. Having seen the devastation of this awful disease, I want to do everything I can to help.

“My precious nieces lost their mummy in such a cruel way. It’s just so heart-breaking. People need to know that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to this devastating disease.”

Louise began suffering with vomiting and headaches in August 2018. By October 2018 her cognitive function was impacted and her eyesight was deteriorating.

A month later an MRI scan revealed an aggressive, grade-four brain tumour.

Louise had a shunt fitted to drain fluid from her brain and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The tumour was inoperable, because of its location deep in the brain.
Louise was a team leader with Street Buddies, an award-winning support project for the homeless in Westminster. She also devoted much time to good causes, frequently organising collections of clothes to ship out to refugee camps.

She also dedicated herself to projects working with vulnerable families in New York City, rural poor children in India, and prisons in Greece and Denmark.

Shelina, a volunteer mental health worker, said: “My lovely sister-in-law was a beautiful and compassionate woman, whose spirit lives on in her two young daughters.

“She was committed to a number of charitable projects, leaving a wonderful legacy with all the good she achieved for others through her drive and relentless campaigning.

“She fought for people who couldn’t fight for themselves. The world is a better place because of her.”

Louise travelled to her homeland, Denmark, in July with the couple’s children, Alia aged nine and seven-year-old Hannah Sofia.

The couple had planned to marry by a fjord in Aalborg but decided to bring the wedding forward, holding a simple bedside ceremony at Louise’s parents’ home, minutes before she died.

Pictured top are Alia, Louise, Hannah Sofia and Shelina before Louise was diagnosed