When I was getting ready to return to work, having had our first child, I began with symptoms that then led to what I thought was my life-time bad luck - a brain tumour.

An Acoustic Neuroma, also known as a Vestibular Schwannoma - a brain tumour growing as a clump of cells on my acoustic (hearing) nerve within my ear canal.

Surgery to completely remove the said tumor was successfully undertaken 14.6.2010 !! 12hrs+ in theatre and resulting in complete permanent deafness, left ear only.

Unfortunately I was then diagnosed with another brain tumour following a routine surveillance scan in February 2016. Strangely this was in the same place as the first, but a totally different type, a Meningioma, growing like a blanket of cells on the meninges, the outskirts of the brain.

I had surgery in June (again) one week following the anniversery of my other surgery, 21.6.2016. Again this was a success, to debulk the tumour. Not complete removal, as this tumour will be with me for life! It will grow and at times be stagnant - but for now it appears to be behaving.

Life otherwise is beautiful I am married with 3 children, I have a wonderful wider family and I work full time.

Now to the big bit… As many of you know I have long hair, I always have, I’ve never had anything different, but I want to cut my length and donate it to The Little Princress Trust who make wigs for children suffering similar things as I and cancers resulting in loss of their hair.

If I could ask for any donation, no matter how large or small, I would be very grateful if you could help. All donations will be split equally between Salford Royal Hospital, Brainstrust and The Brain Tumour Charity.

Many thanks and best wishes.

Love, Claire x