At the end of 2013, my Mum, Julia Cruttenden, died from a brain tumour.  The type of tumour she had, Glioblastoma Multiforme, is particularly aggressive and, when diagnosed (in January that year) we all knew it was terminal. When told of her prognosis at the age of 74, she said, 'Well I've had a wonderful life.' and we spent that year making as many special memories as we could in between the operations, radiotherapy and chemotherapy - all treatments which we tried in the hope of more time together. It was an incredibly tough year. 

If it was so devastating to watch my Mum die in this way, I cannot imagine what it is like when your child is diagnosed with such a disease. Brain Tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and those under 40. Over £500 million is spent on cancer research in the UK every year. Less than 3% is spent on brain tumours. 

So I've decided to walk across 100 kilometres of the Sahara Desert with a team of volunteers from the Brain Tumour Charity. Considering my famously dodgy knees and horror at camping, you'll be pleased to know that I'm determined to turn a tough challenge into a major trauma. The only thing that will get me through is knowing that all the funds I raise (I mean all - you're not paying for the flights and accommodation I promise) is going towards such an important cause. This is in aid of the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, they are moving further and faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour. The Brain Tumour Charity is set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. They understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can't wait.