Our daughter Olivia was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in April 2020. Our world as we knew it came crashing down. The journey that we were soon to embark upon was frightening, unpredictable and outside of our control. We were consumed with worry and we felt like we were living a nightmare that we could never wake up from.

Olivia had to endure three major surgical operations. The last operation took 10 hours and left her in intensive care for three weeks. The  medical care she received was first rate but what she went through at the age of 4 in those 3 weeks was unimaginable and heartbreaking to watch. No child should ever have to experience such pain, suffering and trauma. 

Despite the significant risks identified at the consent stage, the neurosurgery team were incredible and removed the bulk of the tumour. A small part of the tumour was left behind because to remove this by surgery presented too great a risk to Olivia's life.

Olivia commenced a period of recovery before undergoing radiotherapy towards the end of the year. The part of the tumour that remains has shrunk by 50% and we remain optimistic that it will continue on this trajectory. Olivia has been left with some life changing conditions due to damage to her pituitary function but thankfully this can be managed by daily medication and injections.

This was a rollercoaster ride that we never want to experience again and we are grateful that our beautiful and brave little girl is alive and well. 

We are undertaking this challenge having confronted first hand the devastation and destruction caused by brain tumours. Sadly, not everyone is as fortunate as us and there are other types of tumours where there is no cure.  We know how it feels when you are staring into the abyss of a bleak future. Hopefully, by raising money and sharing our story we will give hope to other families going through the same experience that there can be a positive outcome, even beyond the sober expectations of the medical experts.

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, were moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour.We're set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And were doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can't wait.