2025 was a pretty difficult year for us. I won’t bore you with the details, but I’m very happy to be here today raising money for a well deserving charity.

The scariest part of my journey wasn’t going back to hospital for the brain surgery, but those first weeks, the not knowing what we were dealing with - that really got to us all.

During this time I had massive support from my family and friends and together we found cavernoma alliance.

Finally being able to understand what we were facing helped me come to the decision of having surgery.

Cavernoma alliance helped with so much information and we are delighted to be giving back to them.

So, our mission is two-fold. Firstly on May 23/24th, (13 months after brain surgery!) I’ll be taking on the LDWA HoneyPot 100 miles. I’m not sure I’ll complete it, but I will certainly give it a good go!

Secondly, on June 6th, I will once again be with my hugely supportive family. Brandon (son) Mike (dad) and Ben (partner), will be joining the cavernoma community 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