For years, Luke was unwell. He was randomly sick and suffered from severe migraines — so intense at times that he couldn’t even lift his head. Sadly, these symptoms were repeatedly dismissed and put down to “just migraines.”

In July 2025, At the age of 26 Luke was diagnosed with a haemangioblastoma — a very rare brain tumour that can grow throughout the brain and spinal cord, accounting for just 2% of all brain tumours. By the time of diagnosis, the tumour had caused significant swelling and had grown so large that we were told Luke had only days to live without emergency surgery.

Within a week, Luke underwent a 9 hour surgery. Unfortunately, it did not go as planned and resulted in a bleed on the brain, meaning he had to undergo further emergency surgery. After 18 days in Walton Hospital — where his surgeon and the nurses were absolutely incredible in their care and support — Luke was discharged.

What followed were some of the hardest months. Luke had to relearn how to walk, speak again, and use his hands. He couldn’t dress himself or even cut up his own food. Every day was frustrating, exhausting, and emotional — for both of us — but we were determined to do everything possible to help him recover.

In November 2025, we received the news we had been waiting for! the tumour had been completely removed, and Luke was in full recovery. 6 months post surgery and Today, he is still recovering but is deeply appreciative of life, and grateful for everything he has — and he is now joining us in this challenge.

We are doing this challenge to raise awareness of just how devastating this journey is — not only for those affected, but for their families too. More research is desperately needed, especially for younger people, and symptoms must not continue to be dismissed so easily.