Pedalling to raise awareness of Acoustic Neuroma Brain Tumours

Shortly after the birth of our son, my partner Becky was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour called an Acoustic Neuroma. My world was turned upside down and I didn’t know what lay ahead for the future.

An Acoustic Neuroma, also known as a Vestibular Schwannoma is a benign tumour of the vestibular nerve (balance nerve). Symptoms can include hearing loss, tinnitus and balance issues. These symptoms can often be very subtle and often these tumours can go undiagnosed for years. Although these tumours are benign, once they reach a certain size they can start to compress the brainstem and become life threatening. Becky’s tumour had just started to compress her brainstem when she was diagnosed and since surgery has left her with permanent single sided deafness and fatigue amongst other things. The remainder of Becky’s tumour that couldn’t be removed will continue to be monitored. I have been lucky that my work have been so supportive in allowing me time off work to aid Becky’s early recovery.

From the very start of Becky’s diagnosis we have received immense support from both the BANA (British Acoustic Neuroma Association) and The Beyond Recovery Project. BANA assists and supports people who have been diagnosed with this type of tumour and also promotes and supports medical research to try and detect these tumours earlier. The Beyond Recovery Project promotes physical and mental health and wellbeing to individuals following treatment for brain tumours, by empowering them to overcome barriers to their recovery.

My aim with work mate Keith Taylor is to cycle the 58 mile route from my work base at Kentdale, Jaguar Land Rover in Kendal to their sister site at Torver, Coniston cycling as much off road as possible. Anyone is welcome to join us for the ride. I will be cycling to raise money and spread awareness for these two amazing brain tumour charities alongside Rider Resilience; a charity that supports riders facing hardship. Rider Resilience uses the strength of the bicycle community to encourage anyone in the face of adversity to get out and ride a bike as much as possible.

Any donation however small will be gratefully received and help support the work of these amazing charities.