Following a problem with my speech and a quick referral from my GP I was diagnosed with a grade 3 brain tumour in February 2014. Following a second opinion my journey started with surgery, the tumour could only be partly removed due to the risk of paralysis. I then received 6 weeks of aggressive radiation and chemo followed by 6 more months of chemo. During this difficult time I received huge support from my (very worried) parents, my 2 sons and in-laws. I have worked in the same Financial Services company for 25 years and my private healthcare has been a godsend. My team and manager were incredibly supportive and returning to work 5 months after surgery has been a huge part of my recovery. A year after returning to work I went to Tuscany for a cooking holiday and I met my wonderful friend Caroline who is doing the walk with me.

I am now in remission and I am scanned every 6 months. Brain tumours nearly always return and the anxiety at scan time is indescribable. There is no cure.

Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. Yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to this disease. Brain Tumour Research are the only national charity in the UK funding sustainable and continuous research into brain tumours.