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In May 2023, while on holiday, I noticed something unusual: I began drifting while walking, almost as if I had lost control. Back home, things quickly worsened, and I found myself stumbling off pavements as though I was drunk. Concerned, I went to the doctor and within two days was admitted to hospital for a series of tests and scans. By the end of the day, the doctors led me into a quiet room and shared unsettling news: what was believed to be a brain lymphoma, a life-threatening abnormality, was present at the back of my brain affecting my ability to walk. I could tell from their faces how difficult it was for them to deliver this news; one of the staff members even lowered her head, visibly shaken, she tried to hide her thoughts but I had already seen her eyes, this touched me deeply and also at the same time made me realise how serious this was.

Six days later, I was referred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital. The medical team there reviewed my scans and suspected a serious brain tumour with sinister implications that required urgent attention. Within a week, I was back at Addenbrooke’s for a biopsy, where they drilled into my skull to access the affected area. After the procedure, I returned home to recover, with Addenbrooke’s team calling twice daily to monitor my progress.

Thirteen days later, I collapsed and was rushed back to hospital but was then transferred to Addenbrooke’s due to a complication from a biopsy, which hadn’t fully sealed. This led to fluid build-up. After a biopsy repair, a lumbar drain was placed for a week to relieve the pressure. Once home, Addenbrooke’s continued their constant support, checking in regularly to manage my case closely.

In August, the team decided to begin an intensive chemotherapy regimen: three weeks on, two days off, repeated over six months. I had my doubts about the treatment, knowing it would make me seriously ill. Yet, just a day before treatment was due to begin a consultant at Addenbrooke’s reviewing my scans noticed something unusual. He questioned the tumour diagnosis and believed the lesion might be a severe infection, possibly toxoplasmosis. The chemo plan was immediately paused, and I was transferred to an infectious disease ward at Addenbrooke’s for further tests. After a week of extensive testing, all results returned negative, and the hope that I might be clear of the original diagnosis began to fade.

Over the following months, with medication getting me walking and talking half normal, I continued to receive unwavering support from the team at Addenbrooke’s. Despite my symptoms, I didn’t feel like someone facing a life-threatening illness. I was still moving, still fighting. Another scan then revealed a rare neurological disease called CLIPPERS (Chronic Lymphocytic Inflammation with Pontine Perivascular Enhancement Responsive to Steroids). With only just over 100 known cases globally, CLIPPERS is an incredibly rare and largely mysterious condition. Each case provides insights for future treatments as the disease affects everyone differently.

Today, I am working with the Addenbrooke’s team to find the right balance of medications to manage the inflammation. Although this will be a lifelong condition, they have given me hope. With their help, I believe I can rebuild my life, find a new normal, and hopefully even return to work one day. This journey wouldn't be possible without the incredible support from Addenbrooke’s, where I continue to receive care on this challenging path.

Because of my experience, I’m now dedicated to raising funds for their vital research and equipment needs, especially in brain research. With more funding, Addenbrooke’s can diagnose diseases like CLIPPERS and other neurological diseases much sooner and with less invasive procedures. Their research and innovation in brain imaging and diagnostics could help others avoid invasive procedures and get answers faster. Brain research is essential, not only to Addenbrooke’s but to the broader understanding of complex neurological diseases and tumours.

Every contribution to this campaign will go to Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), the official charity for Addenbrooke’s Hospital which funds cutting-edge equipment and groundbreaking research above and beyond what the NHS is able to provide. I am fundraising as a way of thanking the Neuro Team in the hope of helping to advance the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours and diseases. I believe that with dedicated research and the right equipment, Addenbrooke’s can help patients like me face complex and challenging diagnoses with strength and hope. One day, this research may even lead to a definitive test for diagnosing CLIPPERS and other brain conditions, and with better research, information and equipment it can stop confusion with misdiagnosis resulting in people having intense chemotherapy when in fact they shouldn’t be.

Thank you for considering a donation. With your support, however much you can give will change lives, speed up diagnoses and bring hope to those facing the unknown with brain diseases. I hope my song and video made for this fundraiser brings you courage, inspiration and hope and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for donating and sharing this website. I’d also like to express my thanks to Addenbrooke’s hospital and their amazing staff, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust for helping with my campaign and with awareness to help me hit my target that will make such a difference to so many people’s lives!