my letter, my brother, my mum Tom Burnham - Birmingham

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In this honest and emotional portrayal of how watching a sibling go through cancer treatment can harbour all sorts of powerful thoughts and emotions, Tom describes, through the process of writing down his hopes and fears in a letter, how seeing his brother George being diagnosed for the third time has affected his life. Stating that sometimes he just wants to stay put and be with his friends as it gives him a feeling of normality, Tom admits to a whole host of feelings that he says he couldn’t talk about in person, as he finds it hard to find the right words at times. As well as talking about his brother, Tom explains how important his Mum’s presence in his life is and through a selection of personal and uplifting photos, documents the relationship they have as a family.

  1. 26 Comments:

  2. Amy on June 14th, 2008

    Great film and great to know George is still doing good. I used to have treatment at BCH and was in with George a few times =]

    Hope all the family is doing well! x

  3. Gaynor on June 14th, 2008

    Well done Tom. I am really proud of you. Your family will be proud of you to. I know it took alot of courage to do this film. Thank you &
    take care. See you soon. Gaynor x

  4. Keri Gunn on June 15th, 2008

    Hey Tom. Nice work!! (tho it did make me cry) I know how hard it is for you, but also know that your Mum IS proud of you cos you’re a GREAT son and she loves you very much. Keri X

  5. gail serra on June 15th, 2008

    tom, that made me cry!! so proud of you for having the courage to tell the truth. wait till alex and tracey see it.love you BIG. Gail

  6. Barbara on June 15th, 2008

    You’ve got guts to make the film. In doing so without realising you are helping everyone along.
    Well done. Keep it up. My love to you and George and family.
    Barbara and Emma xxxxxxxxxx

  7. tracey westacott on June 15th, 2008

    yo Tom!!
    well done gorgeous - absolutely fab!
    really proud of you. big love trog xxxxxxxxxxx

  8. andy on June 15th, 2008

    gr8 video tom
    gr8 music aswell
    always ere 4 ya m8
    u george nd ya mom :D andy
    xx

  9. alexandre serra on June 15th, 2008

    I am really proud of you Thomas, what a lovely young man you are growing into. I am proud you are my nephew. Alex. Portugal.

  10. nan and gramps. on June 15th, 2008

    you are our number one grandson and we are so very proud of you Tom,I dont think you realise how much,George knows you are a great bro who has done lots to help him over the years so chin up about your school work as I was crap too,love you always xxxxxxxxx

  11. Lou on June 16th, 2008

    Yo Tom! Long time no see (splash landings….I was the Irish one, who kept getting stuck in the rapids!)
    This is a lovely video…I wish I’d had a brother like you, I know Trish is really proud of you as she should be.
    Good luck with everything.
    Lou, Joc and Zoe.

  12. Marge (Uncle Rays daughter) on June 16th, 2008

    Hi Tom, what a lovely person you are, I have not seen you since we were in Portugal but I bet your mom, dad and all family esp George are proud of you. Keep up the good work of being such a support to all and dont worry about your grades they dont show who you are or what your capable of. Love you all and hope to see you soon.
    Love Auntie Marge xxxx

  13. Someone at Rare on June 16th, 2008

    Hi Tom, here at Rare many of us know what’s going on at the moment in your family and wish you all nothing but the very best. Must say I’m impressed by that video, it says a lot about the person who made it. It shows a person who is learning something so much more in life that no school can teach. Focus on the positives mate, ‘cos I only know you from watching that video and it’s plain to see a guy like you will go far.

    All the best to you all

  14. Guida Pereira on June 16th, 2008

    Hi Tom,

    Firstly I´de like to tell you how proud I am of you.

    The song you have picked for your video tells me how much you really care, your words express your thoughts and your images express love. I couldn´t be more impressed.

    I have watched you along the years and for all you have been through, you have shown to be a very special young man. I know you dont like to talk much, but eh….guess what, your actions speak much louder.

    Grande Beijo

    Guida

  15. Another dude from Rare on June 18th, 2008

    Hey Tom. Everyone at Rare is crossing our fingers for all of you. It takes a lot of courage to say the things you’re not suppose to say, but honesty is the only way. Well done for expressing how you feel and staying honest for your family.

    All the best!

  16. gail serra on June 18th, 2008

    Hey Tom,
    just look at all the people who have commented!! you have put into words what so many do not have the courage to say out loud.
    we are sooooooooooooo proud!!!
    love gail and alex

  17. John and Jeannette on June 19th, 2008

    Hi Tom.
    We are both very touched by your messsage. Well done for putting pen to paper on your inner most feelings. That takes courage. Just as much courage as George has shown.
    I remember saying to you, the last time we saw you, what a good looking young man you have grown to be. But, not only good looking also lovely inside as well. You are much respected by both John and myself for your kindnesss and support you have given George and you Mom and Dad.
    So, don’t think we forget you because we always ask your Grandma and Grandad how you are as well as George. Just because you are not doing well at school doesn’t mean you will not do well in life. Some people don’t do well in that environment but blosssom out in the working situation. Being a teacher I have known many such youngsters.
    So take care and go for your dreams.
    Luv and stuff Uncle John and Auntie Jeannette. xx

  18. Auntie Di & Uncle Roy on June 19th, 2008

    Hya Tom. Well, what can we say. Except to say, it shows what a caring & loving nephew we have, Although we don’t see you as often as we could, our thoughts are ALWAYS with you & George (& mum & dad too).
    Lots of love Auntie Di & Unc Royxx

  19. suzanne northcott on June 19th, 2008

    hey cousin just wanted to let you u know that im also proud of you, for what you do for your brother and your parents, i wish i could see you and george and all the brummie lot a lot more than i do, i last saw you in 2006 wen ellie wos a baby, u have grown up into a lovely carin lad, keep stronge and postive on life, big hugs xxxxx

  20. uncle pete n auntie della on June 20th, 2008

    Hi Tom, u da man! Well cool video, so impressed with it and by the lovely young man who made it, You are a true inspiration to us all.We are so proud of you, George and your mom, love you loads, keep up the good work, always here for you xxx. geza

  21. margaret (solihull) on June 20th, 2008

    Hi Thomas, What a great brother, son, nephew and friend you are. I know that everyone who knows you appreciates what you do for George and we all include you in our thoughts and prayers. Try not to worry about your grades. You are a credit to all your family and we wouldn’t change any part of you. Just be yourself and you will make a great success of your life. Love you loads and hope to see you soon. Aunty Margaret xx

  22. tash (cuzzz) on June 21st, 2008

    elooo tom, well ur video made me really sad inside an i think that u have a lot of courage to say every think that u have sed on that video i wouldent be able to do it an im very sure that pat is proud of u an george cause i am!! xxx

  23. Kostas on July 1st, 2008

    Hi Tom, that must have taken a lot of courage. I admire you! All the best. Kostas

  24. SARAH on July 15th, 2008

    3LO TOM..
    MAK3S M3 CRY 3V3RY TiiM3 ii WATCH iiT=[
    I B3T ALL YUUR FAMiiLY AR3 PROUND OV YUU ESPECiiALLY G3ORG3 FOOR B3iiN A GR3AT BROTH3R TO HiiM!!
    CNT iiMAGiiN3 WHAT YUUR GOiiN THRUW.
    I'M ALWAYS 3R3 FOOOR YUU iiF YUU N33D 3NY1 TO TALK TO, YU NOO THAT:)
    GR3AT ViiD3O, iiT MUST HAV3 TUK A LOT OF COURAG3 TOO SAY 3V3RYTHiiN YUU S3D ON TH3R3 & 3XPR3SSiiN ALL YUUR F33LINGS. PROPA PROUD OF YUU =]

    ii’M 3R3 iiF YUU N33D M3.

    LOV3 YUU LOTS

    X

  25. Sarah on July 16th, 2008

    elo tom..
    i have already wrote a comment on here once but it has not saved for somme reason, duno why=[

    I always cry when i watch this video..
    You no that i am always here for you if you need me. I can’t imaagine what your going thruw. It Must Have took a lot of courage to do this video. I bet all your family are proud ov you, especially george. I am proud of you to, i think your brillant for what you do!

    You no i am always here for yuu.

    Love You
    Sarah
    xx

  26. sian r on July 18th, 2008

    hii tom
    that video must mean alot to every 1 who knows what u are goin through
    we are all here to support you and the family.
    great video and i bet george really apresiaits it,
    ya mom too

    :):) sian

  27. gail serra on September 16th, 2008

    tom
    we still come and watch the video and read the comments as it makes us so proud to see your courage, and read what people have to say about you. love gail and alex.

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