A man who was diagnosed with a brain tumour 10 years ago is diving into our Swim Challenge in August to help find a cure.
Rory Burke was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma in February 2012 after having a seizure while driving to work. After his first awake craniotomy had to be stopped mid-way through because Rory had a seizure, the rescheduled operation successfully removed around 80% of the tumour.
A routine CT scan in January 2016 revealed the remaining tumour was beginning to grow again, so Rory opted to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Rory has raised more than £7,000 for Brain Tumour Research by taking part in cycling challenges. He also invited his MP Hilary Benn to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours (APPGBT).
Now, he will swim 10km throughout the month at Nuffield Health in Leeds to raise more vital funds for Brain Tumour Research.
He said: “After my diagnosis, I started swimming to help with the rehabilitation of my left-hand side.
“Exercise and physiotherapy have played such a crucial part in both my emotional and physical wellbeing, especially my continued work on my weakened left hand and arm.
“This challenge will be hard, but it’s one I’m determined to do. Raising money for research into brain tumours is so important because, without research there’s no progress.”
To support Rory’s fundraising, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rory-burke3
If you’re feeling inspired, why not join Rory and get involved in our Swim Challenge in August? Tailor your challenge to your ability and take to the water to help fund the fight against this devastating disease. Get started by joining our Facebook Challenge Group here today.