Great West Run for Sarah

I vowed never to do the Great West Run again after last year and have done zero training to date but having received some very sad news recently about a friend of mine I will be tackling the course again in only a months time - 21 May.

Sarah’s story. On 13th March 2023, Sarah went to A&E thinking she might have meningitis, but the MRI scan revealed significant abnormalities and swelling on her brain. Following a biopsy and after a very agonising wait, she received the shocking news that she has an aggressive brain tumour, known as a high-grade astrocytoma. Sarah has only just turned 40 and has three young boys and so as you can imagine, the news has rocked all of their worlds and they are still trying to process it. Sadly, the prognosis for anyone with high-grade astrocytoma isn’t good. For further information see: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/brain-tumour-diagnosis-treatment/types-of-brain-tumour-adult/astrocytoma/

Concerningly, the current treatment available for aggressive tumours on the NHS is limited compared to many other countries, and the offer is sadly dependent on where you live. There are, however, nine NHS hospital brain tumour centres in the UK that are recognised as centres for excellence, and which provide excellent clinical practice, access to clinical trials and the latest treatments, and which have an emphasis on patient quality of life, which is so important with a terminal diagnosis.

Sarah has linked with the London Centre, though the only way to access their treatment pathway is through private funding as the local NHS is swamped. The private pathway comes with a hefty price tag. Her family are therefore looking to raise funding to enable Sarah to receive the best possible care for this horrible disease. This will help give Sarah more time and really importantly provide her with a better quality of life so that she can focus on making memories with her husband and her three boys.

Speed is of the essence as these tumours are sadly very aggressive and grow fast. Please help me raise some money to help Sarah access best available treatment so that she can have as much time as possible. Sarah has dedicated her career to working in the NHS and local authorities in Public Health, leading on the covid pandemic response for Public Health Devon for the last three years. She has spent her life helping others, now is the time to help her and her family get the best possible care she so deserves.