I have set myself the rather optimistic task of raising £2500 for the Brain Research Trust, and there's a very important reason for this. 

In the summer of 2013 we had the shock of discovering that my very close friend Anjem had a malignant brain tumour that did not respond to chemotherapy, this meant he then had to undergo surgery. Thankfully, he pulled through and began to recover; but it seemed that the worse was not quite over. He then discovered that the tumour had returned and he required further treatment. Fortunately, recent scans have given him the all clear and he is over what has been the worst period of his life. I can only be grateful to the medical advances we have today that this terrible disease did not take away my friend.

But unfortunately this isn't an isolated story. 

My friend and work colleague Steve, after quite a horrific couple of weeks leading up to the diagnosis, discovered he had a very large 4.5cm by 7cm malignant brain tumour which took over most of his left hemisphere (he never seems to do things by halves!). This required emergency surgery which was obviously a huge shock to Steve's family and his work colleagues. Steve's determination saw him pull through this massive surgery and recover in a very short space of time. This is testament to all of the research and the advances in specialist medical treatment we have available today.

I'm sure this will be quite an emotional day and will require a lot of commitment but I am determined to raise as much money as possible to support the charity that has helped contribute to the research needed to help keep Anjem and Steve with us today.

I would be so grateful for any donation you are willing to give and can afford. Please do not be shy or embarrassed if it is only a small amount, it will all contribute. But likewise, if you want to give generously this of course will be a huge help.

Thank you so much for your support.

I can’t wait to see you all at the finish line!

Gem

xxx