On the morning of 15th September 2022, I was wheeled into theatre for my first emergency brain surgery, following a shock diagnosis 36 hours earlier. Recovering at home, I had the devastating news a week later the tumour was brain cancer. Seven weeks later, I found out my tumour is ultra rare making me just 1 of 10 in the whole world.

In the weeks to follow, I went through two further brain surgeries making a total of 3 in 6 weeks, not yet a record (I checked!) A further resection a month to the day of my first, then sadly I developed an infection which meant the skull bone had to be removed followed by 8 weeks of strong antibiotics.

During that time, I squeezed in a wedding, started Radiotherapy for 6 weeks, had a little 4 week break then started 6-12 months of chemotherapy, which as the months/cycles draw on, is certainly effecting me more each time.

So, in order to celebrate the ups and downs of the past year, I am planning to walk a marathon on the anniversary of my first brain surgery!

We will be doing a circular route from Wirksworth taking in all the stunning scenery we are so lucky to be surrounded by. I've roped in my husband Graeme and my Dad will do as much as he can too so, it will be a challenge but I'm lucky to have them with me.

Please, if you can support we would be so grateful. It's going to be tough, I will still be on my treatment plan as I have been these past months which has been hard to squeeze training in to the 'well weekends' when I'm either not feeling the effects of chemotherapy or looking after my wonderful daughter, so 26.3miles is going to be big challenge after really what has been just one training walk a month.

Plus, living in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales - no direction is flat!

I would love to raise as many funds as we can for the fantastic cause, brainstrust, who have been incredibly supportive to me during this past 12 months and I know will continue to be into the future.

Thank you so much in advance. Ayesha x