As many of you may well know, in January 2024 I was diagnosed with a Cavernoma in my brain. A cavernoma is something that many are unaware of, confused by or never even heard of. So here are some facts:

Cavernomas are clusters of abnormal blood vessels that look like raspberries. Found in the brain and spinal cord, these vessels have thin, leaky walls that can bleed without warning at any age. While 1 in 625 people are thought to have a cavernoma, 1 in 2,700 experience symptoms, including:

🍓Brain haemorrhages

🍓Seizures

🍓Neurological problems

Treatment options are limited to "wait and see," neurosurgery, or stereotactic radiosurgery.

Since being diagnosed when my son was 1 week old, my world flipped overnight. From not working, not driving, heavily symptomatic; to losing self esteem, no feeling of purpose and no reason for routine. Living with a rare condition is hard, misunderstood and not always appreciated. There isn't enough mental or physical support available for those that need it and the families alongside. Not only this, but after genetics testing, it was revealed that I carry the gene CCM2, meaning that this could one day be my children in the same boat. This has been hard to come to terms with and a worry for the health of the children.

So this is why both Phil and I have decided to take part in Climbing Snowdon for Cavernoma Awareness. On 7th June 2025, we’ll be taking on the challenge of climbing Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales, to kick off Cavernoma Awareness Month and raise funds for Cavernoma Alliance UK (CAUK). The charity has been a lifeline for our family with education, knowledge and support. So we have chosen to give something back. This is both physically and metaphorically going to be taking on a mountain for me, but incredibly close to my heart to give them something back. This charity is the unsung hero to all those with the rare condition facing their own uphill battle every single day.

This year’s climb is extra special—it’s the 20th anniversary of CAUK, a charity founded in 2005 by Dr. Ian Stuart.

💙 About Cavernoma Alliance UK

CAUK was founded by Dr. Ian Stuart after his life changed overnight due to a cavernoma bleed. What began as a helpline in Ian’s bedroom has grown into a national charity with over 4,000 members. CAUK’s mission is to find a cure for cavernoma while providing education, support, and resources to those affected by this condition.

By donating or supporting our Snowdon climb, you’ll help us:

🌟 Raise awareness of cavernoma

🌟 Fund groundbreaking research

🌟 Provide life-changing support to those living with cavernoma and their families.

Every step we take up Snowdon is a step closer to finding a cure. Thank you for supporting us on this meaningful journey.

👉 Donate now and help us make a difference!