I am taking part in the Brain Tumour Charity 10km Fundraiser walk for my superstar mamma Sue Redhead.

Mum has a particularly aggressive acoustic neuroma tumour which was already removed once in a lengthy 10hours+ surgery requiring multiple specialists. Recovery was long and difficult. After a period in intensive care following the surgery, residual effects including deafness in one ear and facial palsy have remained permanent reminders of the intense procedure that took place.

We unfortunately found out in 2024 that the tumour had re-grown to a size that could become life infringing without further surgical intervention. We once again find ourselves awaiting a surgery slot for another complex and timely extraction. It is expected that some of the symptoms post-surgery will be more severe this time round due to the requirement of a more aggressive approach.

The news last year was emotionally challenging for mum and the wider family. With the help of the Brain Tumour Charity, resources were available to us that otherwise would be challenging to access under the current strain of the NHS.

In honour of this, and to show our continued support to mum in such an emotionally challenging time, myself, Amanda and Kelly are joining the London Twilight walk. Anything you can give to this wonderful charity, so close to home and to our hearts right now, means the world. We want to raise as much as we can to ensure this brilliant charity can continue to support individuals and families in difficult and uncertain times.

From the Brain tumour charity:

“Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40. We believe that fighting brain tumours on all fronts of research, awareness and support is the only way to save lives, reduce long-term disabilities and to help everyone affected by a brain tumour. We need your help because a cure can't wait.”