In an effort to display what a tough mother I’ve become (*in a moment of total madness) I’ve signed James, his brother Henry and myself up for a Tough Mudder Half. This is a 5 mile race with 13 obstacles and James will be on hand to help me (and possibly Henry!) over all the obstacles - much like he does in real life. I realise many among you will have completed much more demanding sporting achievements but for me this is definitely a first and I would love your help.

We wanted to support a cause very close to our hearts. Oli Hilsdon is a close friend of Henry’s for whom money is being raised for a vaccine to cure a recurrence of brain cancer.

This extraordinary guy was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive brain tumour in 2014 following a seizure. He was given the awful prognosis of 12-18 months to live.

He underwent 15 months of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy and then amazed everyone by running the London marathon in under 4 hours and raising an astounding 60k for Brain Tumour Research. He went back to work full time the day after the marathon and subsequent scans showed improvement thanks to the treatment he had received.

Last year, he received the devastating news that the tumour had returned. He has recently undergone brain surgery and an unfortunate side effect has resulted in loss of his peripheral vision. He has started chemotherapy which will last for between 9 and 12 months.

His oncologist would like him to receive a vaccine made from a culture developed from the tumour they have removed. This vaccine is called DC Vax-L and is not available on the NHS. We would love to contribute in some way to the large sum that will be required for him to undergo this treatment.

We would greatly appreciate your help!