Hi, my name is Matt, I'm 26 and in October 2023 I had some seizures whilst asleep; one at home, one on the floor of A+E (An excellent fast track method to being seen), and a final event in Bath ICU. Following some CT and MRI scans, something I have no memory of after being given a healthy dose of Valium, and my post surgery biopsies I discovered I have an incurable, but treatable, type of tumour called a grade 2 Astrocytoma (not an ideal situation). Obviously this wasn't part of my 2023 New Year's resolutions and discovering I had an egg sized tumour growing in my noggin was a bit of a shock, having previously thought of myself as being at the "peak" of my physical health.

I had the tumour removed in a lengthy 9 hour operation by the amazing neurosurgeons at Southmead Hospital in Bristol at the end of November, and have since been on the road to recovery. I had some early frustrations with a very weak left hand/arm/face but all is currently going well and things are improving swiftly. Prior to the operation I was told I would have some weakness in these areas, but upon waking up was quite surprised that in doctor speak "some weakness" translates to an inability to move the limb, but thankfully movement has returned and getting better each day.

Cycling has always been something I have always enjoyed and I have set my sights on raising money by completing the ride London-Essex 100 mile bike ride for the Brain Tumour Charity to help fight this horrible cancer and give myself something to aim for.

The training has already begun with some recent spins, my aim being to slowly complete more distance each week. I'll include a shameless plug of my strava if anyone wants to see my progress. I am somebody that struggles to take things "easy", much to my physios disappointment at learning I had been for a 10 mile ride 3 weeks after having my brain breathe air, but I felt much better having done so, so can only be good!

I will be completing the ride with my mates and joint members of the "Capsize Crew",(we managed to successfully capsize a four man rowing boat, something rowers will know is quite an achievement), Shashin Ekanayake, Jack Karagoz and Charlie Farley.

Any donation however big or small is greatly appreciated!

https://www.strava.com/athletes/4178136

"The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we're moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour.

We're set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And we're doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can't wait."