In February 2024, I am embarking along with three teammates (Martin Bell, Adam Cruickshank and Kosta Jovanovic) on an extraordinary journey in the Swiss Alps, taking on a challenge that's as daunting as it is inspiring. Over four intense days, we will ascend a staggering 8,848 meters on skis (the height of Mount Everest), facing conditions akin to tackling three consecutive marathons. This incredible feat is known as the Everest in the Alps challenge.

However, this mission transcends conquering a mountain; it's about defeating a formidable adversary - pediatric brain cancer. We have embraced this gruelling challenge with a profound purpose - one that resonates deeply with Martin´s family.

In October 2021, their son, Alex, received a life-shattering diagnosis after a year of enduring relentless migraines, vomiting, papilledema, seizures, and ultimately the loss of sight in his right eye. It wasn't until a fateful spinal biopsy in September 2021 that the unimaginable truth emerged – DLGNT, a rare and devasting form of brain cancer that Alex has been fighting against ever since.

At the time of Alex's diagnosis, Martin and Katie felt lost and alone, spurring them to advocate for brain cancer research. They built an international community of over 40 DLGNT patients and their families through their website and Facebook page, believing that together, they can offer comfort and hope to others facing similar battles. But they quickly recognized much more help was needed.
You can check out the full story here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/syren

All proceeds will go to the Everest Centre for Research which is a collaboration across DKFZ in Heidelberg, Great Ormond Street Hospital London and the Blizard Institute in London. Research is conducted into developing new treatments and finding tailored treatments to improve the quality of survival and helping to halve the harm that brain tumours have on children and their families.

The first Everest in the Alps event was in March 2015. The team ascended 8,848 metres - equivalent to the height of the world's largest mountain - on skis, raising an incredible £3m for The Brain Tumour Charity. Everest In The Alps 2015 was a challenge that enabled The Brain Tumour Charity to invest £5m in to The Everest Centre for Research into Paediatric Low Grade Brain Tumours, the largest single investment globally in to low grade paediatric brain tumours. It brings together an international, multi-disciplinary team of leading experts, collaborating across Europe and the USA.

You possess the power to change lives and contribute to pioneering research that offers hope to families like Alex's. Join us in supporting the team as we ascend the Swiss Alps, not merely in pursuit of a mountain's peak, but in pursuit of a future where every individual diagnosed with DLGNT, like Alex, has the chance to reach for their dreams rather than fight for their lives.