Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As some of you already know, last September, following a routine MRI scan, I was diagnosed with a lesion on my brain. I underwent a craniotomy to remove the lesion at Kings College Hospital on 4th February 2016. We found that the lesion was actually smaller than originally anticipated, and unfortunately it could not successfully be removed. Biopsy results have shown that the lesion is thankfully not cancerous, and continues to remain very small. I am now on a ‘watch and wait’ programme with interval MRI scans and we hope that the lesion continues to remain stable for the foreseeable future.

No one can imagine what goes through your mind at the point of diagnosis - the range of emotions experienced is overwhelming and incredibly scary. On top of this, I found at first that there was very little in the way of co-ordinated support and information available at such an uncertain time for me and my family.

Thankfully, whilst researching my diagnosis, I found Braintrust - a brain tumour support charity.

Braintrust provide a unique support service to people who are coping with a brain tumour diagnosis.They provide invaluable, experience based and individual support for patients and their carers, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Braintrust's support was my lifeline. Whenever I needed to talk things through, both practically and emotionally, they were there, providing the reassurance that I so desperately needed. They helped me to take control of my situation and continue on with positivity. They made me realise that I was not alone. They were quite simply amazing.

Now I would like to give something back and help others who are facing uncertain times. There are over 60,000 people in the UK alone, living with and beyond a brain tumour diagnosis and brain tumours kill more people under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

This is why on the 6th June 2016 I will be undertaking to ‘WALK THE THAMES’, a 7 and a half mile stretch of pathways from Greenwich Cutty Sark to Westminster Bridge. My dear friend and colleague ‘Jenks’, who has walked the route previously, has kindly volunteered to accompany me and will keep me ‘propped up’ en route as she has continued to do so since my diagnosis!

Anyone who knows me knows that I drive EVERYWHERE and the loss of my driver’s licence for 6 months following my brain surgery has meant that walking has become a given, so it only seems appropriate that I should choose to do this. Besides, having sore feet will make a change from having a sore head!

A huge thank you to those of you who have ‘had my back’ since my diagnosis (you know who you are). I couldn’t have got through without your love and the wonderful support provided by braintrust. I am one of the lucky ones, my lesion is not cancerous, but others are not so lucky and need our help now.

I have set up a just giving page for donations but if people would prefer I also have paper sponsorship forms available. Please give any amount you can, large or small (foot massages also welcome!) All proceeds will be gratefully received and go towards funding the amazing support that Braintrust continue to provide.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.