My little sister Jess was diagnosed with multiple cavernous angiomas when she was five years old and suffered two seizures. Since then, she has faced more than most people ever should, and yet she continues to be the bravest, strongest and most resilient person I know. I am endlessly proud to be her sister.

Jess has been hospitalised twice in the last twelve months and is now on the surgical pathway to remove one of her cavernomas. Unfortunately, they don’t know which one is causing the difficulties as there are two “significant” cavernomas near the surface and “lots” of smaller ones deeper in her brain. So, Jess will need a series of tests to identify the problem and since she is now 16, she will be moved to the adult team which means new people and a transition. Her neurosurgical team are clear that surgery is her best option but until the problematic cavernoma is identified it is difficult for her to be clear and to get any sense of what that surgery will involve. She just knows that it will be one to two years before they operate and the tests in the meantime involve hospital stays. She has received this information as she is doing her GCSEs.

Cavernous Angiomas are a rare condition which most people, including sometimes even some doctors, have never heard of and don’t understand. It has been hard for my family when people have not believed how it is for her but for the last eleven years we have had the constant support of CAUK. We are eternally grateful for what this small charity has done for us and the community.

My friends and I are proud to be able to make this climb for Jess and for everyone else living with cavernous angiomas. Any donations, no matter how small, would mean so much and will go towards supporting the incredible work that CAUK does for those affected. Thank you.

On 6 June 2026, the cavernoma community will come together to take on the incredible challenge of climbing Snowdon, also known as Yr Wyddfa – the highest mountain in England and Wales 🏔️. This special event launches Cavernoma Awareness Month and raises vital funds for Cavernoma Alliance UK (CAUK) 🫶

Now in its fourth year, the Annual Snowdon Climb for Cavernoma has become a powerful symbol of strength, solidarity and hope. In 2025, 87 amazing people took part, raising awareness and over £27,000 for CAUK 🌟

This year, we’re aiming even higher. Our goal is for 100 people to take part – either climbing Snowdon in person or completing the challenge virtually throughout the month of June. That might mean walking, hiking or climbing the equivalent height or distance of Snowdon (1,085 metres or around 4,610 steps) from wherever they are 🏡🪜🏃‍♀️

Why Your Support Matters

By donating to the Snowdon Climb, you’ll help to:

📢 Raise awareness of cavernoma

🧪 Fund research into better treatments and a cure

💬 Provide life-changing support to people affected by the condition

Every donation takes us one step closer to change. Whether you’re sponsoring a loved one, sharing our story or giving what you can, thank you for being part of it ❤️

Donate now and help us make a difference 🙌

What is a Cavernoma?

A cavernoma is a cluster of abnormal blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord, often described as looking like a raspberry 🍓. Their thin, leaky walls can bleed without warning, at any age.

Around 1 in 625 people have a cavernoma, and 1 in 2,700 experience symptoms such as:

🩸 Brain haemorrhages

⚡ Seizures

🧍‍♀️ Neurological problems

There’s currently no cure. Treatment options are limited to monitoring, neurosurgery or stereotactic radiosurgery. That’s why your support matters so much.

About Cavernoma Alliance UK (CAUK)

CAUK was founded by Dr Ian Stuart after a sudden cavernoma bleed changed his life. What began as a small helpline in Ian’s bedroom is now a national charity supporting over 4,000 people across the UK.

Our mission is to:

🔬 Fund research to find a cure

📚 Provide trusted, accessible information

🤝 Offer connection, understanding and support when it’s needed most

To find out more, visit www.cavernoma.org.uk

Cavernoma Alliance UK is a registered charity in England and Wales, number 1197257