This summer I am running a 52km ultra marathon to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.

I have chosen this charity as more research is needed into causes and treatments of brain tumours.

It was 17 years ago when I had an oligodendroglioma that was successfully removed. Most days I think about whether the tumour will return. We all have friends and family who are experiencing the reality of brain tumour treatment and care. Hearing the diagnosis 'you have a brain tumour' made me so scared and unsure what would happen next. My ultra marathon run will also be in memory of my father-in-law Chris who had a glioblastoma.

There are so many different types of brain tumour with different grades. Even those who have surgery to remove the tumour, might never recover or also if surgery is not possible they have to live with the tumour and can’t have it removed. It will influence their life every day even though most people will not even realise what they are going through.

Even after surgery when it has been removed the constant unknown of whether it is growing back now or in future, never goes away. There are also so many symptoms that are forgotten, as you look ‘normal’ but are still experiencing the side effects of what you have been through. There are also the long term effects of the surgery.

It is important to raise awareness of the impact of a brain tumours and raise vital funds to support research into what causes brain tumours and how they can be treated and ideally that they can be prevented. Everybody who has had a diagnosis from the day they find out rely on the experience of those looking after them. We need more research to identify better treatment options to improve survival rates.

I am fundraising for Brain Tumour Research as they are the only national charity dedicated to funding long-term, sustainable research in the UK. Please help me fund the fight. More research is needed to find a cure.