My Mum and I
Donna Bate's fundraising page
21 April 2024
Swim
On 21 April I will be running London Marathon in aid Nerve Tumours UK, a charity that is very close to my heart.
My motivation comes from being diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) myself, which was inherited from my Mum. NF1 is a genetic disorder that causes tumours to form on nerve tissues throughout the body.
The condition is progressive, with the tumours and associated pain continuing throughout the lives of many of those who are diagnosed.
My London Marathon Journey was meant to take place last year but an immediate stop was put to any exercise having been diagnosed with a Pheochromocytoma, a rare tumour of the adrenal gland which occurs in occurs in 1–5% of patients with NF-1. With 1 in 3,000 people worldwide having an NF1 mutation I guess you could say I’m a little unique 😊 the Crazy comes from attempting a Marathon in the first place 7 months after major surgery to remove the tumour and adrenal gland!
I’m also doing this for my Mum who passed away in April 2020 due to complications from NF1. Mum was a true NF warrior, constantly fighting and no matter how much pain she was in would constantly battle on!
Mum was a brave yet gentle soul who triumphed over anything that life threw at her and nothing is so precious as the memory that lives on. She would also call me a daft apeth for doing this!
While there is no cure yet, charities like Nerve Tumours UK provide critical support for NF patients and fund research that could one day make treatments available. I want to do everything I can to help.
That’s why I’m pushing myself to complete the 26.2 mile London Marathon course, I am in no way a natural runner but I am both stubborn and determined to cross the finish line and get a “mall finish” (the one you see on the tele)
Please consider supporting my London Marathon effort with a donation towards Nerve Tumours UK and help to fund critical research, provide support services, spread awareness and work towards a world without NF.
This one is for you Mum (and I promise never to do something so crazy again……honest 🤣)
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