Tough Mudder challenge for multiple charities

Tough Mudder challenge in aid of the Brain Tumour Charity and St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds

Max Lipman William goldsmith Johnny Crocker Leah Zimmerman Yoel Mizrahi Sammy Traub

We are a group of 6 friends aged 17 , undertaking the Tough Mudder challenge on the 7th of May 2023. Max's aunt, Hilary, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2014 and tragically lost her life in March 2022 aged only 56 years old, after a long and courageous battle. We are taking part in this Tough Mudder challenge to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity and St Gemma's Hospice in her memory. The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally and we want to fundraise to help fund vital research to help save and improve lives of those suffering with a brain tumour. St Gemma's Hospice, Leeds provides care and support for local people and their families with terminal illnesses. Their never ending support to Max's aunt and all of his family was invaluable and they will always be so grateful for the kindness they showed. Hilary, even through the toughest times, faced her illness with such positivity and strength and to honour her memory Max and his friends would like to undertake a physically hard, enduring challenge as a tribute to her strength and determination.

Hello, my name is William Goldsmith, and on January 26, 2021, I received a diagnosis of pilocytic astrocytoma. On January 29, just three days after receiving my diagnosis, I was in critical condition and required immediate surgery. A benign brain tumour called a pilocytic astrocytoma required me to undergo an 8 hour cranotomy surgery, during which a portion of the skull was removed to gain access to the brain and remove the tumour (took up 1/4 of my brain). Following this, the left half of my body was completely immobile, necessitating the beginning of my rehabilitation. But I also have permanent mental difficulties; for more than a year, I was unable to focus for longer than five minutes, which prevented me from attending full-time school for a year and a half . I now have irreversible brain damage as a result of what I went through. I was able to get through many of the challenges I had to face with the help of the brain tumour trust. They were a vital link in the healing process between the hospital and the school. They have a branch where they organised everything related to my recuperation and assisted me in returning to school. In addition to the brain tumour trust, my family and friends are all behind me. By preparing for tough mudder, it has helped me recover more quickly and will help generate money for the brain tumour trust, which supported me during my recuperation. Additionally, some of my encouraging friends who are participating in this challenge with me have given me the power I need for a quick recovery.