On Sunday 22nd April 2018, I am running the London Marathon just shy of three years from having brain surgery at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN).

ONE In SIX people in the UK are living with a neurological condition.  That's over 12.5 million people; more than the number of people living with cancer, coronary heart disease and diabetes combined.  

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

But there is a treatment available that can cure cancer.  We just need to raise enough money to make sure it can be available to all on the NHS.  

All contributions however small are hugely appreciated.  Please help. 

HOW YOUR DONATION WILL HELP SAVE LIVES...

I hate running.  Like really, really hate running. But I hate brain tumours way more which is why all funds raised via this justgiving page will go to the NHNN's Immunotherapy Appeal.  

Immunotherapies are the great hope in cancer medicine. These are drugs that harness the body’s own ability to kill cancer cells. For most cancer patients, this proven cancer curing medicine is not currently available on the NHS due to the fact it's very expensive.  

The National Brain Appeal need to raise £250,000 to administer a FREE trial on patients so that this revolutionary life-saving treatment can soon be available to all those who need it.

You can read more about the Immunotherapy Appeal on these links.
http://bit.ly/2C3qO9r
http://bit.ly/2nQglJL

MY BRAIN TUMOUR...

In 2015 aged 24 I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and needed major brain surgery at the NHNN.

Life changed dramatically overnight. When I woke up after surgery, side effects included an inability to stand up, extreme nausea that prevented me from keeping any meals down, leaking spinal fluid and permanent single-sided deafness. I lost a stone that week.  

I struggled mentally to cope with the trauma of what was happening and developed a mental health condition called Panic Disorder.  

Thanks to the exceptional care from the hospital's nursing, surgical, psychological and psychiatric teams, as well as the extraordinary support from my family, friends and the kindness that so many showed us, I was able to get through it all.

I’m very lucky. I’ve had a brilliant recovery. Every day I wake up and I am so thankful for the gift of being alive.

But there are many others who are not so lucky.  Very sadly brain cancer has devastatingly affected both sides of my family and our local community in the last 12 months. I am more determined than ever to help other sufferers have the best possible chance of survival.

Symptoms of brain tumours are often subtle; headaches, nausea, loss of hearing, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, memory loss, seizures and more.  Please read about what to look out for: http://bit.ly/2sC2UTo

I owe my life to this hospital which is why I am passionate about raising awareness and funds to ensure they can continue their pioneering work and save lives.

You can read more about my story on these links:
http://bit.ly/2C0ZlK6
http://bit.ly/2EsWOpE

THE NATIONAL BRAIN APPEAL ... http://bit.ly/2F7bf3I

The National Brain Appeal raises vital funds for The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery - the UK’s largest dedicated neurological hospital and neuroscience centre.

Their vision is to improve the outcome and quality of life for the one in six affected by a neurological condition. They do this by funding pioneering research, providing access to the best technology for expert diagnosis and treatment, and training tomorrow’s clinicians.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey so far.  Please do make a donation if you can, however big or small, in support of this life-saving treatment.  

We can do this.

All my love,
Clíodhna
x

P.s. please remember to tick the Gift Aid box if you are a UK taxpayer.  This means, at no  extra cost to you the HMRC will increase your donation by 25%.