5 years ago I woke with little hearing on my left side. After several appointments, tests and scans, I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma (a brain tumour on the acoustic nerve). With no hearing on my left side and a daily reminder of how precious life is, I am about to attempt my first marathon at the tender age of 45! 

The love, support and patience from my wife and children - both in supporting my training and coping with me mis-hearing or ignoring them (not deliberately!) - is also a daily reminder of how lucky I am. 

The care from our NHS has been incredible and with my busy work and personal life, my annual MRI, where I get to lie in peace, has, so far, always brought good news that there has been no growth. We live with the watch and wait scenario, monitoring the size of the tumour. I know that I  couldn’t be in safer hands if there is growth and treatment or surgery is ever required. 

Appreciate times are  tough, so please only consider giving if you can to this wonderful charity.