March is Brain Tumour Awareness Month and last year I walked 2.5 miles a day round my local reservoir and despite covids interruptions I managed to complete my challenge locally.

So this year had to be better so here goes....

We as a family are pledging to Walk, Run or cycle 130 + miles during March. Why 130? Well there are over 130 types of Brain Tumours so we thought this would be a good amount to aim for and beat if we can. 

Last year I had lots of volunteers to join me for a lap and as March goes on and restrictions are lifted if anyone wants to pledge a mile and join me I would be delighted! 😊

So why do I set myself a challenge in March...

As many of you know in July 2019 shortly after giving birth I was diagnosed with a Brain Tumour. I have had it successfully removed and feel very lucky that it was found, diagnosed and removed all within a week.

Finding out you have a 4cm tumour in your head is a pretty scary thing. At the time it was all a big blur and even to this day it still feels like a dream. My focus at the time was bringing my girls up. The thought of leaving them without a mum was NOT an option in my eyes.

Having never had any surgery under anaesthetic before I was petrified of not waking up. Hearing my name and coming around after a very long operation all I could do was to smile. From that moment I knew I could get better. 

The scar took me a while to come to terms with but my hairs growing back and I have learnt to love the stronger person I have become as a result of all of this.

I chose these charities not only for the money to help fund research but also because 91% of people diagnosed have said its affected their mental health and I can safely say that its affected me and this charity supports the mental health of all brain tumour patients too.

Unfortunately my tumour may return as it wasn't benign and its a constant worry that plays on my mind but I remain hopeful that it doesn't come back. Even if it does It will be found and acted on before it can grow to the extent it was. Until then I fight to become stronger and fitter than I was previously. I have turned to exercise to help keep my body healthy and my mind clear of worries and unnecessary stresses. 

Did you know that brain tumours kill more adults and children than ANY other cancers?! Yet it receives the bare minimum of funding for research. As you can imagine I have read so much about them over the last 6 months and I want to do my bit to help a cause that is in great financial need.

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, were moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour.We're set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And were doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can't wait!