Hi!

I am running the London Landmarks Half marathon to help The Brain Tumour Charity fund in recognition of the amazing support they provided when my son, William Ackerman, was diagnosed with a with an inoperable brain tumour back in 2020. A large tumour in his 3rd ventricle (the middle of his brain) was found and our lives changed. My family and I were in a state of shock but the NHS team at the QMC (Nottingham) Paediatric Oncology department and staff at The Brain Tumour Charity were amazing in supporting us.

He underwent brain surgery after the MRI scan to relieve the fluid build up in his brain caused by the tumour. The biopsy taken gave a diagnosis of a tectal plate Pilocytic Astrocytoma, a slow growing tumour that, unfortunately, is situated by the brain stem and isn’t operable without significant risk of damaging the sensitive area around it.

The outcome of William's treatment, a combination of chemotherapy for 18 months and observations were challenging to navigate (to say the least) but the treatment pathway worked; the tumour is stable and he leads an absolutely normal life (although routine scans continue). The research, partly funded by The Brain Tumour Charity (and many other charities) over the years and expertise, care and consideration of the Paediatric Oncology department at QMC in Nottingham cannot be underestimated, giving William an absolutely amazing outcome.

I'm delighted and privileged to be part of a team that will raise money for Brain Tumour Charity by running the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday 6 Apr, please give generously! Trust me, things happen out of the blue and you want these amazing people funded and by your side!! help change this, and that's why I'm running the London Landmarks Half Marathon in 2025!