I never imagined that I would be writing something like this....

My dad (Howard) has a terminal brain tumour.


He was rushed to hospital unexpectedly following a sudden collapse at work last September and in the year since, his health has deteriorated.

When my father suddenly collapsed, we never thought that it would take three months for the true cause to be diagnosed. Initially, his symptoms were thought to be related to a heart problem, but it was eventually discovered that he had a brain tumour. We will never know whether an earlier diagnosis could have changed the outcome for my dad, but we often wonder if finding his brain tumour sooner might have given him more treatment options and a better chance of stopping or slowing its growth. That is why earlier diagnosis matters so much. It can mean acting before a tumour has had more time to develop and cause further damage.

The tumour and his subsequent NHS biopsy procedure has paralysed the right side of his body and he now requires constant, 24/7 physical care and support. The tumour has also affected my dad’s ability to communicate. He knows what he wants to say, his memories, emotions and personality are still there, but he just can’t get the words out.

Watching someone you love, watching your father, become so unwell is not easy, and this past year has been tough. Caring for him is something I will always be thankful to be able to do, but it has been a challenging and emotional journey for myself and my family.

A terminal brain tumour diagnosis leaves you feeling isolated and helpless. I can't change what is happening to my dad, but I can do something. That's why I've decided to take on the Three Peaks Challenge with my friends, to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity.

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's leading dedicated charity and the largest global funder of research, with a mission to defeat brain tumours and double survival rates.

They also work to improve early diagnosis through campaigns such as Better Safe Than Tumour, helping people to recognise the warning signs. Unfortunately, the NHS doesn't currently offer a brain tumour screening service, meaning symptoms can sometimes go unrecognised and people, like my dad, receive a diagnosis too late. I want to help make sure fewer families face the devastating reality of a late diagnosis.

The Three Peaks Challenge involves walking thirty seven kilometres and climbing over ten thousand feet, as we take on the three tallest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in a 24h period. Every step will be for my dad, for my family, and really for everyone whose lives have been changed by cancer.

The Three Peaks Challenge is especially meaningful to me because hiking has always been something I shared with my dad. When I was younger, we would spend time together exploring the Lake District and climbing mountains, creating memories that I will always treasure. Completing the Three Peaks feels like a way of carrying those memories with me while doing something positive in his honour and raising awareness and funds for such an important cause.

If you're able to donate, no matter how big or small, it would mean more to me and my family than I can put into words. Your donation will help The Brain Tumour Charity fund vital research, improve early diagnosis and provide support to families facing brain tumours.

I can't change what is happening to my dad. But by doing this, I can try to make sure that something positive comes from an incredibly difficult time, and hopefully give future families more hope than we have had.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, and thank you for supporting me, my dad and The Brain Tumour Charity!