Paddling from Glasbury 100 miles to the ocean at Chepstow for Brain Tumour Research because I am a BTR ambassador and we need help for research.

Anyone who knows me, knows my story, already knows what I do, what I have.

For those who don't: I was diagnosed with a Grade 2 brain tumour nine years ago. Since then I have pledged to raise money for BTR by doing something more challenging each year until I'm broken. I've ran marathons, cycled the country, climbed mountains for this charity and I will continue to do so until I can't.

I'm lucky.

Despite the survival rate for my kind of cancer being 5 years, I'm still here, nine years after diagnosis.

Whist kayaking 100 miles down the Wye River and into the ocean at Chepstow I will have completed my 100th cycle of chemotherapy. 

I've fathered two children and continue to follow my dreams.

But I'm doing this challenge for two reasons: the amount of funding for research into brain tumours amounts to one percent compared to 'big cancers' like breast and prostate cancer etc.

We need to change this, particularly as those that suffer the worst from this disease are the most vulnerable: the old and the very young. In simple terms they don't stand a very good chance of survival because so little is known about this disease. Research requires money. It's now one of my jobs to get that money.

On a selfish note, I was told I couldn't have children after aggressive radiotherapy and a lifetime of chemotherapy. I'm blessed. I have a beautiful daughter and a very mischievous son. I'd like to show them that ordinary people like me can overcome anything, and see beautiful places, if you fight.

I'd like to show my children that although I'm technically ill, you can do anything. If you can leave a legacy, this is mine and I think it's worth days of kayaking miles and, potentially, tackling trenchfoot of the bum.

I'm finishing this. Nearly two years after having two weeks of seizures which induced a stroke and a VERY long time after my physios told me to: "STOP DOING DANGEROUS THINGS!"

Brain Tumour Research
We fund long-term, sustainable research to find a cure for brain tumours
Story
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Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. This is unacceptable!I am fundraising for Brain Tumour Research as they are the only national charity dedicated to funding long-term, sustainable research in the UK. Please help me fund the fight. Together we will find a cure.