My dear family and friends, Assalam O Alaikum and Hello.

I have a brain tumour.

Many of you know this already, but this may be new information for
others.

I am running the Virgin London Marathon on 26 April 2020, and my
beautiful wife, Sehrish, and I are both request kind donations for The Brain Tumour Charity no. 1150054.

During late 2014, I thought it was anxiety/panic attacks. A MRI scan showed a large brain tumour (perhaps the size of a lemon). It caused epilepsy, and they were focal (aka partial) ‘aware’ seizures. I can sense them coming, sometimes hours before.

That said, I love epilepsy. It gave me an early diagnosis. My tumour can
never be fully removed as it is in a functional part of my brain (my speech centre).

 I initially very much hated talking about it and mostly kept it to myself, and forced my family to do the same. I went to work the next day.

The next two years after that were beautiful for me (terrible for
everyone around me, I think); but I really learnt what is important in life. Family, prayers, health, friends, fun, humour and real life.

My wonderful son, Idris, was born a year later. A very good diversion for
everyone from a toxic period of stress; especially for my lovely mother, brave father, loyal siblings, strong wife, and my very supportive family. Let’s also not forget the support of Sehrish’s family, and my dear friends Gulfam and Jasdeep who were with me all the way. I had to sell my fancy car because of epilepsy. My wife passed her driving test first time, and we now have a boring estate family car.

Don’t worry……...I am fine. No need for hugs and coffee chats. A lot
has changed since then.

On 27 October 2017, I had a 9 hour awake craniotomy (brain surgery) ,
talking to 2 x speech therapists for 2 x fluent languages, to reduce as much of the tumour as possible. The outcome was as best as possible - estimated 70-80% removed. My family were more stressed than me. I went home after 5 days with no pain killers whatsoever. A couple months recovery, but no adverse outcome. You can’t even see my scar. I went back to work and I still feel the best I’ve ever felt.

My little brother encouraged me to start running; I lost some weight
and I feel good, happy and confident. Nowadays I have strong medicine for my epilepsy, but my seizures are now very rare and very mild. I have regular MRI check-ups. I hate that machine.

To be quite honest, I feel a bit exposed and uncomfortable writing
this, but my wife and I need to do this.

Thank you for reading, and we would be very grateful for any donations
of any size.

 Love from Waqas and Sehrish Ahmed

……………

Please do not expect a good race time. In fact, please do not ask me
my time!

This important charity has chosen me and given me the honour by sponsoring my place. I did not get into the marathon via the ballot, and I need to exceed a large target. 

I will do my best.