On a cold night in October 2006 I was diagnosed with what ended up being determined as a Brain Tumour. I was 19 years old. I had Brain surgery in November 2006, Gamma Knife surgery in February 2007. Those 5 months flew by and I got my life back. Though that doesn't reveal the before and after; Before, spending 4 months not knowing what was wrong with me. After, spending 16 years and counting being grateful to be alive enjoying life with my friends and family. Grateful for the incredible surgeon that operated on me, conducted the gamma knife surgery and is still in consultation with me to this day. Grateful to his team, the hospitals he does his work at and the researchers, radiologists, scientists and specialists that contribute to deliver the world class care I received. 

This area of cancer needs more. It needs more money, more time, more interest, more understanding. We all know how powerful the brain and surrounding structures are. Look what can be done with money and research. We see it every day with major breakthroughs for other illness and disease. I want to see that energy for this area of Cancer as well so it has encouraged me to sign up to complete this half marathon run to raise money and awareness. 

I want to thank you for reading my story, and thank you for supporting me. If not with money, with support for what I am trying to do for The Brain Tumour Charity, the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated Funder of research into brain tumours globally. 

Committed to saving and improving lives, they are moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour. They are set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And they are doing it right now. Because like me, they understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can't wait.

Thank you so much, and please...wish me luck, i'm going to need it!! 

Tel X