Raising Money for The Brain Tumour Charity and Maggie's

We have set up this GoFundMe page to raise money for two wonderful charities: Maggie's and The Brain Tumour Charity. Both have been instrumental in helping me after being diagnosed with complicated meningioma (benign type of brain tumour) in the summer of 2023.

Just before and after my diagnosis was the most difficult part – I sank into a pitch-black depression. My wonderful family stayed firmly by my side, but when I needed help beyond that of my family, two charities, The Brain Tumour Charity and Maggie's, have been instrumental in guiding me out of that darkness to see the "light" again. Both charities have continued to play an important role in helping me and my partner cope with the situation - as they do for so many other people.

Their kindness and empathy are inspiring. I have no doubt that the wonderful people who give their time to help others have played a huge role in my mental well-being and outlook over the last 14 months.

I have had two neurosurgeries, one in February 2024 and another the following June.

Now we start a new year I have been reflecting upon the rollercoaster that has been life for me and my family over the last 16 months. I wanted to do something to say thank you to the wonderful people at Maggie's and The Brain Tumour Charity.

After my second surgery, I had fallen into another depression, in part due to medication I was on to treat complications that had arisen after the surgery. Again, the tireless people from both charities saved me with their unwavering compassion and caring.

Slowly, I again began to find small pleasures in life. I picked up a book written by Japanese musician/pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto, whose music I have always loved. I was deeply moved to learn that after he was diagnosed with cancer, his passion for music, fierce energy, and determination to keep involving music in his life kept him working until the very end. His story inspired me so much that I decided to take up the piano.

I started learning about two weeks after my second surgery. However, I could only manage a few minutes at a time. Still, I managed to build it up bit by bit and, after two months, could play 'Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence'—probably one of Sakamoto's most widely known pieces and a favourite of mine.

My piano playing is not very good, but it has been such a joy that I hope it will encourage others to keep being positive and seeking help when they feel they have nowhere to turn, even through the darkest times. 

The funds raised will be split equally between the two charities: The Brain Tumour Charity and Maggie's.

With my wonderful partner, we made a video hoping to inspire others to help us raise money for the two charities that have helped me so much.  Please view my video here.