A brain tumour patient is set to walk over hot embers to raise funds for research into the disease.
Angela Whicker was told she had just months to live without treatment after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in November 2022. She had been experiencing pins and needles, and numbness, down her left-hand side for some time, which she later learned were the result of focal seizures she had been having.
Angela underwent surgery to debulk the tumour, which was identified as a grade 3 astrocytoma, and had radiotherapy. She is now part-way through a 12-month course of chemotherapy.
Tonight, she will put her bravery to the test as she walks over fire to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research. She is amongst supporters taking part in a firewalk in Milton Keynes – home to the charity’s head office – this evening (Friday 8th September).
She said: “Firewalking is something I’ve seen in films and always fancied having a go at. I did the charity’s Jog 26 Miles in May challenge and saw the firewalks it was organising then, but none were taking place near me.
“I said at the time ‘when it comes to Milton Keynes, I’ve got to do it’, so I signed up as soon as it appeared on the website. All my family and friends think I’m crazy but I’m intrigued about how it’s done and really looking forward to it.”
Joining Angela in facing the flames is Tim Belfield, who has had two meningiomas removed and whose partner, Sharon Mynard, recently completed an epic wheelchair challenge for the charity. Also taking on the challenge are colleagues from Shenley Private Wealth and SBD Automotive, whose offices are based in the same building as the charity’s head office.