I think I have signed up for something I might regret!
In March 2023, I and a group of friends, ex-army personnel (all with life changing injuries) are taking on a massive physical and mental challenge in Switzerland to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity. The event is called “Everest in the Alps” and we will battle unpredictable conditions to complete the 8,848m climb (the height of Everest). Experiencing altitudes of up to 3,500m, each challenger will burn through a daily average of 10,000 calories – the equivalent of running 3 back-to-back marathons!

The funds raised will support the work of the Everest Centre for Research into Paediatric Low Grade Brain Tumours; a ground-breaking international research initiative aiming to improve understanding of low grade childhood brain tumours, and to
develop and test new treatments that are significantly less harmful to
children’s quality of life.

So why have I chosen this event and this Charity?

Firstly, our close friends Rob and Tanya, have a son called Toby who was diagnosed with a low grade (slower-growing) brain tumour on his brain stem at the age of five. Sadly, Toby is not an isolated case. Globally, over 26,870 children and young adults have a paediatric low grade (slower growing) brain tumour.

And secondly, as a close family friend I have watched Toby, now 14, grow and conquer the most extraordinary challenges to keep pace with his peers. Seeing him working through both those physical and mental challenges of living with this tumour have been truly incredible. If I can share some of the challenges whilst raising money at the same time for this vital research then at least I am able to not only appreciate further this incredible individual, but I can add my backing to this incredible charity and research programme. 

As such I have signed up and set a personal challenge of raising an initial £50,000! This will allow the team to employ a post-doctoral research fellow to be dedicated to this programme. I appreciate that this is no small task, but I hope you and your colleagues are able to contribute as best you can.