My Story

As someone who suffers with the conditon Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) I'm supporting Nerve Tumours UK because their mission means a great deal to me. They provide crucial support to people living with the Neurofibromatoses- the conditons that cause nerve tumours.

They are dominant genetic conditions, which means that they can be passed on in families from one generation to the next through genetic inheritance. Similarly, about half of nerve tumours cases recorded have no previous family history of the condition. In other words, it can occur totally “out of the blue”, just as mine did.

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a genetic condition that causes tumours to grow along your nerves. The tumours are usually non-cancerous (benign) but may cause a range of symptoms that vary from one person to the next. There's currently no cure for NF2. Treatment involves regular monitoring and treating any problems as they occur.

Being diagnosed with the mosaic form of NF2 has left me almost completely deaf and with mildly compromised balance, and I now rely on a cochlear implant and regular hearing aid.

I have previously completed the Leeds Half Marathon on a number of occasions, also fundraising for other charities while doing so. This will be my first attempt at the Great North Run but my aim will be to beat or at least match my previous time... which was 8 years ago!!!

Please help me bolster their support.