In 2014 I was diagnosed with a brain tumour which was fortunately both accessible and curable. However it had an enormous impact on my and my family's life. I had to think carefully about how to tell my daughter who was 8 at the time, and re-think my career in teaching as I had just completed a maternity cover; in other words I wasn't in post when I was diagnosed and it subsequently proved very difficult to get a permanent post.

However I rallied, the tumour seemed to have stopped growing so I started an MA at Central School of Speech and Drama and got some supply teaching work. In 2017 when my daughter was 11 years old, I started to feel unwell again.

After several visits to the GP I was referred for an MRI before my usual check up. The tumour was now rapidly growing, pushing my brain into my brain stem. Although it wasn't an emergency it was urgent and I underwent neurosurgery to debulk the tumour. It took a long time to recover, over a year and even longer to process what had happened. I was not really sure which direction to take and lacked confidence in myself especially with an acquired disability that I didn't really know how to manage (deaf in my left ear). Even so, I completed my MA post surgery but I still felt very lost, isolated and low.

Gradually I returned to myself, getting back to my beloved sea swimming, theatre making and applying for teaching posts and finally securing another maternity cover! I then had to have stereotactic radiotherapy in 2021. Finally, in 2022 I was declared cured of the tumour with no facial palsy. I fully appreciate how lucky I was and am, to still be here. During that time I had support from the Brain Tumour Charity who listened and supported me when I felt so overwhelmed and isolated. They also helped with practical things like guiding me through the benefits process, recommending support networks and understanding what I was going through even though I wasn't terminally ill.

They offer help and support to everyone in the patient's life (in my case my daughter who is now 19 and my husband) who is affected by the diagnosis of a brain tumour. I still feel supported by the amazing team ten years on, as they are cheer me on every step of the way for the Brighton (sprint )Triathlon 2025. It is a celebration of my 60th birthday and my return to full health: mentally, physically and creatively.

The wonderful people at the Brain Tumour Charity understand that no two tumours are the same and no brain tumour is truly 'benign' - cancer impacted my life hugely and demanded changes and adaptations that affected my mental and physical health for the last ten years: it was never easy.

My chosen charity's endeavours and values are crucial, timely and urgent. This is why I intend to continue to support their work in any way I can, as they continue to support me, even now, with compassion, expertise and kindness.