Many of you know that my son Darshan was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2017. Thanks to some amazing medical teams in the UK and US; the incredible support of family; friends and charities; and an exceptionally resilient boy, Darshan made a full recovery and is getting back to being a 10 year old again.

Everybody deals with trauma and stress in different ways. Last year I found respite in exercise. Time to think and channel emotions; definitely a helpful stress relief; and a need to share some physical suffering with Darshan. When he was receiving treatment in Boston, I decided to test that fitness and see if I could raise more awareness and money for charities that helped us. So I signed up for a half Ironman 70.3 race on 10 June.

The distances are pretty long with a 90k bike and a half marathon to end. But I’ll definitely be out of my comfort zone with the 1.9k swim. Up until a year and half ago, I was technically a non-swimmer. I didn’t drown….but my 25 metres was quite a sight!

People have already been unbelievably generous to support our fundraising efforts. And we have already donated towards charities that helped us on our journey. But we are so committed to helping the charities that provide such strength and support to families in situations like ours that I am going to use this opportunity to raise a little more.

I have decided to share any funds raised with the following two charities. The first provided needed motivation and comfort during his journey. The second, continues to undertake vital research to treat and eradicate Darshan's tumour type.

Beads of Courage

From the moment Darshan entered the oncology ward at the Oxford Radcliffe Children's Hospital, the play specialists introduced him to this thoughtful programme aimed at helping children recognise the progress they make on the difficult journey of having cancer. Beads of Courage is an organisation that provides a multitude of beads representing all key elements of a child's treatment. This ranges from spending a night in hospital, a blood test, a dose of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. These beads are added to a long chain that visually help children celebrate the end of each important step they take towards recovery.

For Darshan, this programme was instrumental in helping him to see and share with loved ones what he achieved. He would explain what each bead represented and proudly express the closer he got to the end of his treatment.

Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK is funding a study looking at the treatment of the same tumour type that Darshan was diagnosed with - intracranial germ cell tumours. Brain tumours are the least funded and esearched cancer in the UK. Paediatric tumours have an even smaller share of research funding. Ten years ago, Darshan may not have been so lucky with a diagnoses and treatment plan.

For us, it is vital that funds remain available to continue to progress the treatment and eradication of paediatric brain tumours.

I would be so grateful if you would support me and in turn these 2 charities. We are also continuing to support other charities that continue their help and support to families like ours, please find details at our own fundraising site: Darshan Fights Cancer Fund .