Throughout 2026, I’ll be taking on multiple running events including the ADIDADS Manchester Marathon and a 24-Hour Three Peaks Challenge to raise vital funds for Headway Derby — a charity that helped give my close friend Christine Charles her life back.

Christine’s Story

In 2014, Christine was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour — an Intraventricular Neurocytoma. While these tumours are often benign, Christine’s was not. At the same time, she was pregnant with her son, Jake. She was facing the fight of her life while carrying new life.

On 11 September 2014, Christine underwent major brain surgery. Surgeons could only remove half of the tumour. Years later, in 2016, an MRI confirmed it had started growing again. This led to further surgery on 23 March 2017, which was initially deemed a success.

But in November 2017, Christine received devastating news — the cancer had returned in a different part of her brain. Her consultant recommended Stereotactic Radiotherapy, but the treatment wasn’t funded by the NHS due to the tumour type. In July 2018, Christine’s parents used their own savings to fund the treatment, giving her a chance when there were no other options.

On 8 October 2019, Christine was finally given the all clear. Even then, the impact of everything she had endured didn’t simply disappear. In May 2021, she had a titanium plate fitted, and in February 2022, she was fully discharged from her consultant.

Why Headway Derby Matters

Christine first became a member of Headway Derby in 2017, following her second operation. Over the years, Headway helped her relearn how her brain worked, supported her through severe anxiety, and helped her rebuild her short-term and immediate memory — things most of us take for granted.

In 2025, Christine came full circle and began volunteering for Headway Derby, giving back to the charity that helped her regain her independence. She has since been recognised with the Overcoming Barriers Award.

Why I’m Asking for Your Support

Brain injury doesn’t end when treatment stops. Recovery is long, complex, and often invisible. Headway Derby is there for people like Christine when the hospital doors close — offering support, rehabilitation, and hope.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps ensure Headway Derby can continue changing lives.If you’re able to donate, share, or support in any way — thank you. It truly means more than you know.

About Headway Derby

Headway Derby gives people who have suffered with brain Injuries a safe space to get some normality back to their lives. It gives them friendships, coping skills and pushes everyone to achieve anything and everything with great support.

As an organisation Headway Derby work closely with professionals from the NHS Head Injury Team based at Florence Nightingale Hospital, GP's, Adult Social Care and Derby City Council, as well as with individuals and families. Their professional and experienced team are always on hand to offer advice and non-clinical rehabilitation and development to help improve life after brain injury.

Headway Derby aim to provide practical development services to help local people come to terms with life after brain injury. This support extends to a variety of social and developmental activities and training for those who want to know more about brain injury and its affects.

Headway Derby are affiliated to, but separate from the national brain injury association - Headway UK

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