Brain Tumours - they don't discriminate

Brain Tumours - the expletives I could say about them are not appropriate for LinkedIn but it's fair to say they are horrific in any view. Having supported and witnessed first hand the horrors with the twisted and destructive nature this cancer can have and also seeing my fathers side of the family all afflicted and losing out to this condition, himself, his siblings and his Father - it was no wonder that when I came down with an unknown and constant medical condition last year, and foolishly "googling" it outside of medical support, that I was sent into a heady spin, far from irrational phobia but borne of a deep rooted concern for the potential genetics I may be carrying and the losses on my Fathers side and probably too much time alone at home. Furthermore, condition at the time had the doctors concern naturally after explaining the family issues. After a series of scans and examinations and tense waiting, two things were determined, 1: there is a brain up there 2: it was all clear which came as a monumental relief, I am still in concerns over genetic testing and the potential issues associated but however, I am safe in the knowledge that at present I am clear and ok.

After a turbulent time throughout the pandemic, I decided to take some much needed time away from the workplace just before the summer and it has been a really refreshing period of catching up on relationships and often overlooked priorities that I am sure many can relate to as a result of increased demands upon us all as a result and during the effects of Covid. Pottering about I became comfortable throughout July and tapered off my regular activities becoming somewhat listless in my days alone but utilising the time to carry out and complete the menials around home. We knew back home in Scotland, about a dear family friend who was severely afflicted with brain tumours and despite all medical opinion and stark horrible reality, he refused to accept the cruel inevitability that lay before him, sadly it was too aggressive and in his passing, left a devastated family, young children and a heartbroken wife. This came thundering back to me about thinking about the cruel nature of this condition (among so many others that we face) and the impact it has, let alone the increasing rates nationally of this type of cancer and the other CNS/Intracranial conditions, it remains a prevalent factor in cancer mortality rates in the UK averaging out quite evenly closely across Male and Female and until cures are found through research, it will continue to be as harrowing for all, even survivors. There are however, many many good news stories that come too and not without the brilliant work and research carried out by BTR.

Late July, mulling over doing something positive for Brain Tumour Research I saw a campaign on Social Media and decided that currently being out of the workplace and away from the great annual events we (the leadership team at MDS) did for Teenage Cancer Trust etc, that this year was to be a solo effort to do what I can and make a contribution somehow. I signed up for the @cycle274milesinAugust challenge for Brain Tumour Research - as somewhat of a novice still compared to seasoned cyclists - but with the bit between my teeth to see it done - the reason for the 274 is it costs ￡2740 per day to carry out vital research to find a cure and the 274 is just ten percent of that number. At the last count ￡163,000 has been raised for this cause but even that wont last long at the daily costs for vital research.

Personally I have set off on this and kicked my own butt to complete it - in fact, quite literally destroyed it last Saturday completing 107Km (66 Miles in old money) on a saddle that would have been more comfortable if it was a brick! So far this month I have achieved two 100+Km rides, one solo and the other with a local group but I am determined to not only push myself this month but each month in support for the charity and all that it does.

My target was ￡500 and miles were 274 - to date (18/08) I have raised ￡295 and completed 327.1 miles (526Km) with a while to go yet. I plan to reach 500 miles (holiday in between permitting) but will be keeping on and setting an even greater target to get to for the end of the year - I welcome suggestions from anyone getting this far!

Taking a different approach to crunching the road miles, I set off on a secondary attempt up the notable Boltby Bank which is on my doorstep but revered as one of the hardest cycling climbs in Yorkshire - a week ago I attempted it and in infinite wisdom when having to push - walk up the last part in my socks - only to totally shear the skin off the balls of my feet(yes feet),.. however, through some miracle with Compeed I was back out in two days and yesterday me and a good friend decided a second attempt - I am still not fit enough to do it in one go but a marked improvement over last weeks and summited with an alarmingly high heart-rate, dissolving in my own sweat but elated in the triumph to be atop some stunning views merely panting but without injury . The expedition took us up and over 1200 ft of elevation crossing the Cleveland way dropping back down through breathtaking scenery into Hawnby, whereby we then navigated onto a gravel road and proceeded to climb a further 1200ft up onto the North Yorkshire moors with majestic views overlooking Teesside and Richmond and vast heather fields just starting to turn purple - what a sensationally challenging day it was for a mere 30 miles but the outstanding beauty Yorkshire has (even coming from a Scot) to offer if you are prepared to work for it is unbelievable - the descent over the purpling heather topped moors and valley back down into Kepwick was one of the most exhilarating things I have experienced in a very long time, it was superb and all effort was worth the climbs. It's easy to turn back when it gets hard but doing it for something that I really care about means I won't stop for it.

For Brain Tumour Research https://www.braintumourresearch.org/ It is phenomenal work they do, and something I sincerely hope everyone reading this never needs the support from, but it's there, it's real and we will all undoubtedly know of it somewhere in our lives and those we love and know.

For me, it's about doing something for a charity that may at times be overlooked and it means so much personally to try and support the cause, it's amazing the impact it has had on me also and the realisation of possibilities and things that can be achieved that we think not possible for us.

I don't want brag or gloat, but simply demonstrate my deepest respect to the charity and do what I can to support them, hopefully raising a little in the process - its been a real honour and experience, bringing close friendships, mental clarity and support and in finding a deep gratitude to be ok.

Thanks all, and hope everyone is doing great.

Rob