In January this year I was diagnosed with a rare ,benign Brain Tumour (an Acoustic Neuroma).

This news rocked me and my family to the core and I am now waiting for treatment which has been confirmed as an operation in May this year (fingers crossed)

Having this brain tumour has caused me to have significant/profound permanent hearing loss in my right ear and I am also experiencing other symptoms such as - tinnitus, facial numbness (lip and tongue, cheek, eye socket and forehead ), balance issues, dizziness, panic attacks, anxiety, lack of concentration as well as fatigue and vertigo.

However, to help my own mental health/strength and also to help get me “operation fit” ahead of the surgery, i want to put some positive energy into raising money for BANA (British Acoustic Neuroma Association) who as a non funded charity provide invaluable advice and fabulous resources to help AN sufferers and their families.

Therefore, I have set myself a challenge of swimming the 21 miles that is the English Channel, but, as I live in Wakefield I am doing this with a difference and will be swimming 1690 lengths of my local leisure club (minus the goose fat…)

Due to me suffering from fatigue I will break this down into manageable chunks and undertake the swim over a number of days 

I could not get through this without BANA and the support of my wife (Julie), my children (Abigail & Thomas), my granddaughter (Lily - who puts a smile on my face every single day), my family & friends.

I am also extremely grateful to my caring colleagues and employer (Arla Foods UK) who are incredibly supportive - thank you so much for this.

If anyone is able to sponsor me I would be very grateful and I know any money raised will be put to great use by BANA

Finally, if you are able to sponsor me, please try to remember to tick Gift Aid as this will give any extra 25% on any donation.

Thank you

Lee

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