Last years blurb 

Back in 2017 I was at work and suffered a seizure.  Two more followed by the time I got to hospital. After 6 months it was finally diagnosed I had epilepsy but they also found a benign cyst. It is called a complex pineal cyst and apparently 11mm big. At the time the neurologist didn't give me any information. Just told me I looked stressed and off I went. After a bit of research and came up with nothing. I contacted Yorkshire brain tumour charity who came back with some information.  Here's a brief description:

‘A pineal cyst is a cyst found on the pineal gland in the brain. They are often asymptomatic but in some cases can cause headaches and other symptoms. 

‘In most cases, a pineal cyst does not cause signs or symptoms. The majority of pineal cysts are small (roughly 80% are less than 10 mm in diameter) and asymptomatic. Symptomatic lesions are often larger (but not always), and occur most often in women in their second decade of life. 

Basically I overdid it for a while with work and as a nurse said my body took control in a spectacular way with the seizures. I now have stress related epilepsy. However if this hadn't have happened I wouldn't have known the cyst was there. I don't know how long it's been there either. 

My current neurologist discussed with a neurosurgeon in 2018 and said 'it was behaving itself so no surgery needed'. Phew. Basically this has come down to stress, overworking and vitamin d deficiency. But the cyst it's not a brain tumour and that I feel lucky. 

It's took 4 years to get to where I am now. At one point anxiety was mimicking seizures but now I know what's going on I can try control it best I can.  I still struggle to leave the house sometimes but I feel ever so lucky to have this chance to run. It's one of the first things I asked my current neurologist when I was told to stop everything I loved. Including drinking coffee. Crazy I know. But if I can go for a little run it sorts me out. I just sometimes need a lot of rest after. 

So sorry for the waffle. Let's get to the point. After doing the Leeds10k I was eager to do another. This time I want to raise money to help pay back the support the charity has given me by doing this run. So please dig deep and for a price of a coffee let's start raising money. 

From Yorkshire Brain Tumour Charity: 

Brain Tumours can affect anyone, at any time. They are the single biggest killer of the under 40's in the UKEvery week approx 15 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in Yorkshire. Research has been underfunded for brain tumours, with current treatments nearly 40 years old.We aim to fund world-class research here in Yorkshire to find treatments and a cure. Whilst we do that we will provide support to people living with and affected by brain tumours, emotionally, practically and financially for as long as they need us.

More info here https://www.yorksbtc.org.uk/Home