5k a day for Beaumount ICU and the Adam’s McC Neurology Ward

2023 is a year I will never forget.

Some of you may know that on the 24th April I was diagnosed with a brain tumour. That day I found out that my tumour was a 3.6cm Accoustic Neuroma, and was situated in towards the centre of my head, compressing my brain stem, and that I would be having surgery in Beaumount Hospital Dublin very soon. I had never been in hospital before! Prior to this I had mild hearing loss in my right ear and debilitating dizzy spells, a hearing test, and a series of MRIs later brought this diagnosis.

June 16th marks my one year anniversary since my retrosigmoid craniotomy. I will never forget this time, the run up to the surgery, especially the night before, the morning of, I have never been so scared, I feared for my life! The last thing I remember chatting to the anaesthesiologists about was my dogs, my delight. They truly put my mind at ease, the next thing I know I was woken up 24+ hours later in ICU it was a whirlwind.

Today I am managing my remaining tumour and I have had radiation to control regrowth. I’m navigating being single sided deaf and dizzy spells from time to time. The outcome could have been a whole lot different and I am very very lucky.

I am sat here reflecting on this past year. During my time in Beaumount I spent time in Richmond ICU and also the Adam’s McConnell Neurology Ward. I cannot express enough gratitude for the care I received, the approach, the success of my surgery, my continued care and most of all the dedication of my surgeon and team, they quite honestly saved my life.

This will be hugely challenging for me, just like the last twelve months, but starting June 1st I will complete 5k a day for 30 days to raise funds towards the wards and staff in thanks for their service.

Any donation would be greatly appreciated! Feel free to share and even come along for a 5k, it would really mean a lot ☺️

In the words of Munster rugby ‘To the brave and faithful nothing is impossible’.