In August last year, our youngest son Dominic, was diagnosed with a brain tumour. We had been on holiday only a few days earlier and it came as an incredible shock. 24 hours after diagnosis, Dominic was transferred to RMCH under the care of the paediatric neurosurgeons. Within 4 days he had a surgical plan in place and underwent a 9 hour operation to have the tumour removed.

A few days later, before we’d even had time to catch our breath, we were given the devastating news that the tumour was malignant and Dominic would require a year of gruelling treatment, to prevent recurrence 💔

This has been a very hard time for our family, but we cannot help but be thankful for the many ways in which we have been fortunate. Because of brain tumour research, Dominic’s tumour was operable and he had a clear treatment plan. We live down the road from the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, a Centre of Excellence in the treatment of brain tumours, and from the Christie- where Dominic was fortunate enough to receive daily proton beam therapy for 6 weeks. This is a relatively new and revolutionary treatment, that is only available because of funding into brain tumour research. Dominic had the absolute gold standard of treatment, from the best team we could have ever wished for. And for that we are extremely grateful 🙏🏻

It is only through research that treatments and outcomes can improve for children (and adults) who are given this heartbreaking diagnosis. This is why we are fundraising for this cause, because the research really does save lives. 🔬

I will be walking nearly 50 miles, from the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, over 2 days. Ruth and David will be joining me for the full walk and family and friends will be walking various miles with us along the way. Dominic will walk the final section of the journey to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, then he will go up to the children’s ward and ring the end of treatment bell. 🔔

And then we will all get in the car and go home, which is all we wanted to do on the day he was diagnosed, a year earlier 🩶 🏡

Please donate, no matter how big or small, it all helps and it all makes a difference x 💕