Raising Awareness for Brain Tumours: Ed's Journey

It was three years ago while skiing in Italy that Ed suffered a seizure. This led to the unexpected discovery of a brain tumour - an astrocytoma

The daunting diagnosis required quick action; he was airlifted to Aosta hospital for scans, and then returned to the UK for urgent surgery.

Ed was eventually able to return to his teaching job while undergoing a regime of radiation and chemotherapy following his surgery.

"This race is a milestone. It's a way of marking how far I've come - both physically and emotionally. Running the Ipswich Half might seem like just another race to some, but for me it's a symbol of everything that I've overcome: the uncertainty, the pain, the fatigue, and the emotional toll of living with a brain tumour. It's a statement of defiance against the illness, and a way of reclaiming my body and strength."

Partaking in the Ipswich half marathon this September, Ed is running to raise awareness of brain tumours, which remains an underfunded and under-researched area, despite affecting thousands of people each year.

But it is not only the race that holds significance for Ed.

"Ipswich holds a personal meaning, too - it's where I grew up, where I returned after my diagnosis, and where I began to piece my life back together. It feels right to run here, surrounded by the community that supported me during my most difficult moments."

He describes his participation as "an act of gratitude" for all those who supported him, be it surgeons, nurses, family, or friends, who stood by him through his struggle.

"Every step is a tribute to them, and to the many others still fighting."