Ben aka #ChaseTheHare is rasing money for British Acoustic Neuroma Association CIO
Benjamin Haresign is raising money for British Acoustic Neuroma Association CIO
Story
I'm raising money for BANA (British Acoustic Neuroma Association) because their work has become deeply personal to me.
In 2023, I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a type of brain tumour that, although often labelled "benign," has had a profound impact on my life. Since that day, I’ve been learning to live with permanent hearing loss on one side, relentless 24/7 tinnitus, and the emotional uncertainty of regular scans to monitor any growth. I’m currently in the "watch and wait" stage — no treatment for now, just constant awareness.
The hardest part isn’t always the physical symptoms. It's the invisibility of it all. From the outside, I look the same. But noisy rooms become exhausting, social situations more isolating, and that constant high-pitched tone never switches off. People hear the word “benign” and think it means harmless. But inside your head, even something non-cancerous can be life-altering.
That’s where BANA has been such a lifeline. Through clear, trusted information and a truly supportive community, they’ve helped me feel less alone. Being able to read others’ stories and share my own has been a huge part of staying mentally strong during this journey.
To say thank you and help raise awareness, I’m taking on the SUP Bike Run event in Devon. It’s a real endurance test: a 6 kilometre paddle, 42 kilometre bike ride, and 10 kilometre trail run. This is just the first of what I hope will be many future events to support BANA’s incredible work.
If you can spare a donation, I’d be so grateful. Every bit helps BANA continue offering support, community, and hope to people like me, across the UK and beyond.