In October 2011 I was told I had a 3cm tumour inside my spinal cord just below my brain - that was when my life changed forever. 

The tumour was a rare benign form called an haemangioblastoma; these more usually appear in the brain but rarely (as in my case!) appear in the spinal cord.

I am raising funds for the Brain Tumour Charity because they fund research and provide vital practical support and information for people affected by brain tumours.

So why climb mountains?  I have been a keen mountaineer for many years and when I was diagnosed the things that got me through were the love and prayers of family and friends, and the determination to climb mountains again. 

I had been told that there was a risk of paralysis given the position of the tumour and in December 2011, after a successful surgery, I was learning to walk again - now I want to celebrate and raise funds for the BTC by climbing to the roof of Europe.

I still have some residual loss of sensation and motor function in my left limbs, but climbing mountains is about self-belief, confidence, determination and a love of life. 

In May 2011 (before I knew I was ill!) I climbed the three highest peaks in GB via graded rock climbing routes for Cancer Research and the three highest peaks in the Alps is the obvious step up from that.  My profile picture shows me arriving at the top of Tower Ridge on the north face of Ben Nevis on 31 May. 

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