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In May 2015,  I was told that I had a brain tumour.  I certainly wasn't expecting this news.  Our world was turned upside down.  

During the summer months I had two separate brain biopsies but unfortunately both results were  inconclusive.   I went for a second opinion in London and saw Mr Kitchen at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square.  In October, I had a craniotomy and total excision of the tumour and this operation was a success!  The  tumour was removed and I was reassured that it was very unlikely to grow back.  I was one of the lucky ones.

The support I  have had from family and friends through this difficult time has been incredible and I am forever thankful to them.  It certainly has been a journey and life changing experience. 

 It's now my turn to give something back.  This is going to be a big challenge for me requiring a great deal of training!  It is effectively, a double marathon; it's 84km, that's about 52 miles!  I will be setting off from Oxford on the morning of Saturday 10th September and am hoping to arrive (having walked through the night) in Henley the following morning.  The target is to do it in under 26 hours!   I am delighted that Nige, Hannah, Tom and Lucy are going to join me at various stages along the way to keep me going!    

The National Brain Appeal raises funds for The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, in Queen Square, London.  My Consultant Mr Kitchen has raised a great deal of money for this Appeal and he has inspired me to do this challenge.   This hospital is one of the worlds leading centres for the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with neurological and neuromuscular conditions.  These include stroke, MS, brain cancer, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Prion disease and head injury.  I learned about the Appeal after being treated at the Hospital.  The National is seeing a huge rise in cases needing surgical procedures and are currently fundraising to redevelop and update the operating theatres there.  

The money you donate to The National Brain Appeal will make an immediate impact at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery so it can continue as an internationally recognised centre of excellence, helping ordinary people like me.  Thank you xx