At just 14 years old, Evie started with what seemed like “just headaches.” Thankfully, a consultant decided to carry out a CT scan a decision that changed everything. She was immediately blue-lighted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital after doctors discovered a large mass on her brain.

In July 2024, Evie underwent emergency surgery to remove a huge 4.5cm x 5cm tumour from her left frontal lobe. She was diagnosed with an extremely rare high-grade neuroepithelial tumour with only around 40 known cases worldwide.

What followed was a journey no child should have to face.

Evie had a central line fitted on her brother’s 18th birthday, endured intense chemotherapy, then travelled to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust for six weeks of proton therapy to her head and spine. She then completed 12 cycles of chemotherapy treatment. Today, she is thankfully in remission, but because of the rarity and seriousness of her diagnosis, she still undergoes MRI scans of her head and spine every 12 weeks.

Throughout all of this, Evie missed all of Year 10, yet remained incredibly resilient. No matter how hard things became, she continued to smile, stayed brave for her family, and faced every challenge with courage beyond her years. Amazingly, surgeons were able to remove the entire tumour.

The support from Teenage Cancer Trust has been there from the very beginning from diagnosis, through treatment, and continuing now during recovery. Their support has made an enormous difference to Evie and her family during the hardest time of their lives.

Now, while studying for her GCSEs and dreaming of one day working with animals, Evie’s story is the reason I’m taking on the incredible challenge of the Special Forces Fan Dance to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust.

The Fan Dance is a brutal 24km (15-mile) endurance march across Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons originally used as part of UK Special Forces selection. I’ll be carrying a bergen weighing over 30% of my body weight, battling steep climbs, harsh terrain, and strict time limits. Training has been incredibly tough, and honestly, I don’t know if I’ll make the cut-off time but I will give it absolutely everything I have.

Because compared to what Evie has faced, this challenge is nothing.

If you can donate, share, or support in any way, it would mean so much and help Teenage Cancer Trust continue supporting young people and families facing cancer.

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