In December 2017 I was diagnosed with a jugular foramen schwannoma - a rare type of benign brain tumour which affected my speech, swallowing, hearing and balance. 

I initially completed 6 weeks of radiotherapy, but my symptoms got worse and I was forced to have brain surgery in October 2018. After the 8-hour operation I couldn't speak or swallow and I spent 2 weeks in hospital feeding through a tube. Thankfully, things improved quickly once I got home and I have now made a near-complete recovery! 10 months post-op I still can't swallow certain foods and my voice is improbably deep, but these are small prices to pay for an otherwise clean bill of health (and a cool scar). I am eternally indebted to my neurosurgeon, oncologist and the whole team on Ward A4 at Addenbrooke's Hospital.

Now that I'm back in action, I'm doing the Great North Run on 8th September to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity. I am so lucky that my tumour was benign and treatable: just 11% of adults with primary brain tumours survive 5 years after diagnosis. The only way to improve the odds for people with this deadly disease is through investment in pioneering research. The Brain Tumour Charity is the UK's leading funder of brain tumour research, committing over £50 million since 1996 towards finding a cure. 

Running a half marathon (in a decent time...) within a year of brain surgery is a major personal challenge, but I am doing this to support The Brain Tumour Charity's amazing work. If you can spare a few quid to help me out, I would be very grateful.