Hi Everyone! My name is Rachel McKenna and in March 2024 I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour on my cerebellum.

Luckily, the surgeons in the Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast were able to operate and successfully remove the entire tumour. This was followed by a few months of recovery.

I count myself extremely lucky to still be here and back to full health now thanks to my amazing surgeon and our NHS. However, I know not all patients diagnosed with brain tumours have such good outcomes.

On Saturday 5th July, myself and my Dad, Seamus Strain will be taking part in the Ring Of Kerry Charity Cycle. This is a 170km route cycled in one day around the entire Ring of Kerry. We will be doing this to fundraise for Brainwaves NI. They are Northern Ireland’s only volunteer led brain tumour research and support charity. Not only do they support people with brain tumours and their families and carers but they also fund vital research at the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer research at Queen’s University Belfast paying for three PHD students to research brain tumours.

Please donate what you can, anything at all will help fund their research and support families all over the north affected by brain tumours.

Thank you!