In April 2023, a father, teacher, football coach, mentor, and most importantly a great friend of mine Phil Norman aka norms - was diagnosed with pilocytic glioastrocytoma which is an intrinsic tumour at top of the spinal cord/base of the brain. Across the planet this type of tumour currently has 34 cases identified of its kind.

On the 5th of June 2023 Phil had his biopsy and it was confirmed in September that the cancer was terminal. Phil is the most incredible human being and has had the most positive outlook after the toughest few months anyone could ever imagine. The support system around him is incredible and most of the times Phil has held people up around him by his charismatic nature and positivity.

The man is the kindest, down to earth person I have ever met. A role model to so many people and who will continue to be for many years to come! Phil will be back teaching in March and be the first to beat the tumour!

I am going to be running the Barcelona half marathon on the 11th of February to raise money for brain trust UK. The cancer of the brain is still one of the least known forms of cancer and any support will be huge in bringing their research forward!

Please see more information about the amazing work the charity does below:

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Your kind donations and fantastic fundraising efforts ensures that brainstrust can deliver vital services to support the brain tumour community. Thanks to you, we are able to operate our 24/7 helpline and personalised coaching services 365 days a year. To reach as many people as possible during this isolating period, we are regularly hosting a variety of essential and informative online workshops which can be accessed through our website: brainstrust.org.uk.