I'm supporting Nerve Tumours UK because their mission means a great deal to me. They provide crucial support to people living with the Neurofibromatoses- the conditons that cause nerve tumours.They are dominant genetic conditions, which means that they can be passed on in families from one generation to the next through genetic inheritance. Similarly, about half of nerve tumours cases recorded have no previous family history of the condition. In other words, it can occur totally “out of the blue”.Please help me bolster their support.

I am the paediatric lead for Neurofibromatosis 1 in Leeds.
Carol Irving and I run the surveillance clinic, aiming to see all young people
with NF1 on a yearly basis. I have been doing this for over 12 years now.
During that time I have met some inspirational young people and their families.
It has been a privilege to see them grow into adults who are making a positive
contribution to society, regardless of what the world throws at them. I have learnt
so much from them and have always wondered how I could repay their kindness.

So when the chance of raising money for Nerve Tumours UK by
running the London Marathon came up I grabbed at it with both hands even though
I vowed I would never do another marathon again! Marathon training I previously
found takes up a lot of time - 5 runs a week, including a long 3-4hr run at the
weekend but this is a worthwhile charity that cares for young people and their
families that I also care about- so the sacrifice is worth it.

On top of that Nerve Tumours UK also part fund Carol’s post
- without who my job would be impossible and without whom I wouldn’t be doing
this!