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Last year, on Valentine's Day, I (Alex) had an "almost certainly benign" lime-sized tumour removed from my brain. I was supposed to be in hospital for 5 days, with recovery taking the rest of the year. I didn't really believe that recovery would take so long. In fact it took longer - much longer. I woke up with what's known as Supplementary Motor Area Syndrome, a rare condition that has patients completely paralysed and unable to talk. I stayed like that for over a month, slowly getting movement back but still unable to talk. Once I could walk, cognitive recovery was a good few steps further.

And it wasn't benign. It turned out - on biopsy - to be a particularly rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. You can watch my story by searching for 'Jelly Clip' on Youtube (with thanks to Johnny Rosh & KK) - but be warned, I've been told that it's a box of tissues video!

I then spent most of 2017 and a good part of 2018 in rehab in several brilliant centres in Cambridgeshire, all of which in their own way contributed hugely to my recovery. I had radiotherapy in the summer of 2017 (with thanks to the NHS) and cannot thank my friends, family and then partner enough for their love and support. You really saw me through this.

My wonderful sister, Catherine, is doing this with me, partly for me and partly because she believes in a cure for cancer, her son (my oldest nephew) having been through a case of osteosarcoma (bone cancer) several years ago. She's already walked a half marathon this year for CRUK so this should be a walk in the park for her!

And for me, from being totally unable to move, even to open my eyes, to this, is berloody marvellous. What a feeling to have it all back again! What a relief! I saw people during the last year both luckier and far, far unluckier than me and the overwhelming feeling that remains is gratitude.

So I want to give something back to a charity I've heard lots of good things about, have talked to, heard present to an audience of hundreds and have personally checked out from a former professional fundraiser's perspective; which will use the money I raise from you generous lot to research a cure for brain tumours of all kinds, early diagnosis of tumours, and care for those with brain tumours and their families. They're developing this brilliant database called BRIAN which stores data (with patients' permission of course, and anonymously) and will enable patients and carers to search for others with their type of brain tumour and their symptoms to compare them. It's launching in late 2108 and I've already given my permission for them to access my records. It will also enable researchers to develop treatments and advice. Think of it as a totally targeted and secure facebook sort of thingy. It just all makes so much sense. 

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.