Thank you for visiting and taking the time to read my JustGiving  page. My aim this year is to run the Edinburgh Marathon in May and then I will be running the London Marathon in support of Nerve Tumours UK who have kindly given me a place to run this iconic marathon.  

Nerve Tumours UK provides support and information, as well as campaigns and raises awareness on behalf of over 26,500 people in the UK who have Neurofibromatosis (NF1 and NF2) and Schwannomatosis

These conditions cause tumours to grow on nerves. These tumours are usually noncancerous (benign), but sometimes can become cancerous (malignant). Some individuals will have mild symptoms while others may have multiple health problems linked to their diagnosis. These symptoms are extremely variable and unpredictable. NF potentially affects all parts of the body therefore causing impairment in areas most people take for granted such as appearance, walking, seeing, hearing, learning and social relationships. Managing this uncertainty is very difficult and can severely challenge how they live their lives.

So why am I running for Nerve Tumours UK? 

Well for starters I have this condition myself. I have NF1. Fortunately for me my NF1 has had very little impact on me apart from a few lumps and bumps but none that bother me. 

However, following an episode of back and bilateral leg pain in 2019 I went to see my GP knowing I have NF. Following this visit I was referred to a specialist which led to me having an MRI. The MRI showed that I have multiple neurofibromas (nerve tumour) throughout my spine and mild incidental compression fractures. Following this, I was sent for a DEXA scan and found to have osteoporosis in my spine. I am under the care of specialists for my spine and osteoporosis and must go for yearly MRIs to monitor these tumours.   

Currently, I am completely asymptomatic with no back or leg pain. I run on a regular basis and as I’m a keen runner and having never run a marathon (have done several half marathons and 162 Parkruns and counting) I’d thought it would be a good idea to raise some money for Nerve Tumours UK so they can continuing providing support and a valuable service for individuals who are more severely impacted with NF than myself.