Grace’s NF1 story - Nothing stops me
10 January 2022
My name is Grace, I am 18 years old. I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 when I was 2 years old.
For me it has resulted in a few complications, such as an optic nerve glioma, scoliosis of the spine, café au lait marks and neurofibromas.
I had 18 months of chemotherapy to shrink the tumour behind my left eye, which unfortunately left me blind on that side. I’ve been in and out of hospital a lot over the years, with many MRI scans and appointments, but I’ve never let this stop me from doing anything.
Growing up, I was always active and had a love for swimming and triathlon. Due to my visual impairment, I was able to compete in the para category in my local triathlon club events and swimming galas.
![](/images/common/Grace_Picture3_1024x768.jpg)
My biggest accomplishment within sport was when I competed in the British Blind Sport National swimming championships in Birmingham, collecting a series of gold and silver medals over the years.
![](/images/common/Grace_Picture1_1024x768.jpg)
I am currently in my first year at university studying Health and Social which I hope will lead me into a career in which I can care for people, as I know personally how important the health and social care sector is and what a difference it can make.
Filter News
![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/childrens-national-researchPage-Preview-800-x-500-px_800_600_s_c1.png)
Quantitative MRI Application being developed to help prevent vision loss in NF1 patients
Find out more about the technology being developed and how it can be used to prevent/decline vision loss in NF1 patients
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/NTUK-dolphinsPage-Preview-800-x-500-px_800_600_s_c1.png)
Nerve Tumours UK Dolphins Family and Friends
Our new fundraising hub has it's first fundraiser! Find out more here:
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/ruby-sleepoverPage-Preview-800-x-500-px_800_600_s_c1.png)
Ruby Galloway (NF1) is thrown an incredible sleepover!
Ruby Galloway receives her own incredible sleepover after being nominated by nearly half of Plymouth! Find out more here:
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/jonnyPage-Preview-800-x-500-px_800_600_s_c1.png)
Jonny’s Story
Jonny has chosen to open up and share his incredibly brave battle with Cancer over the past year, find out more here:
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/james_2__800_600_s_c1.jpg)
James on Tour
James Wiggin is taking on the Tour de France on behalf of Nerve Tumours UK – or at least a part of it.
Read MoreNerve Tumours UK Specialist Neurofibromatosis Nurses attend the National NF1 Meeting in Manchester
Have a read what was talked about at this year's National NF1 Meeting in Manchester
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/lets-go-regional-coverPage-Preview-800-x-500-px_800_600_s_c1.png)
Let’s Go Regional/ Let’s Go Outside
Read about the website that offers new exciting opportunities to help you find a fundraiser/event that is most suited to you
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/Meet-harley-Mobile-600-x-800-px_800_600_s_c1.png)
Meet Harley
Have a read about the amazing 7 year old boy with NF1 and his fundraising family
Read More![](https://nervetumours.org.uk/images/made/images/common/PerculiarArtboard-1_800_600_s_c1.png)
Funny Peculiar
Peculiar Productions has chosen to donate all their proceedings to NTUK this year! Find out more:
Read More