Our supporter Flora was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016, after unexpectedly suffering a seizure and being rushed to hospital.

Read Flora's full story

Flash forward to today and she feels extremely lucky and is determined to change misconceptions about brain tumours amongst her peers.

Flora is now preparing for her latest challenge: taking on a Tough Mudder to raise money for our cause and help us get close to a cure for brain tumours.

What is a Tough Mudder?

This is a great endurance event in which I will attempt to complete various challenges based around mud and water – obviously – so essentially, it’s going to be a muddy hell! Should be good fun though.

Why have I decided to do it?

When I was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016, I often thought to myself that once I was better, I’d really want to do something big for charity. I guess for me, it feels like a way to ‘give back’, especially now I have first-hand experience with the effect of a brain tumour on someone’s life.

At first, I’d thought about running a marathon, but I’m not hugely keen on this, so the Tough Mudder seemed like the next best thing. I also thought it would still be a good personal challenge for myself, to really push me out of my comfort zone and help accomplish new goals for my physical and mental wellbeing.

I’m also doing this is in memory of my childhood friend, Merryn, who sadly passed away from SUDEP (sudden unexplained death in epilepsy) when she was only 10 years old.

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How do I prepare for Tough Mudder?

At university, I’m a member of the women’s rugby team. This of course has really helped. I train three times a week, play matches once a week, and take part in strength and conditioning sessions once a week.

At the moment, this is my main preparation for the Tough Mudder and I’d say it keeps me pretty fit. Once the rugby season is over, I’m going to start running and building up to the 10-mile distance, otherwise I’ll never make it round the whole course!

It’s great that my older brother Henry and two of our friends, Ruby and Ellie are joining me on this event. Ruby and Ellie were also both close friends of Merryn. We are all planning to get fit by running, and once everyone is back home for Easter, we’ll be running together in preparation.

What is my goal? What would I like to achieve?

My main goal is to raise as much money as I can to help Brain Tumour Research continue their fantastic work. I am also helping raise awareness about both brain tumours and epilepsy.

On top of this, I want to feel like I’ve accomplished something worthwhile, especially as this has been what I’ve wanted to do for years now. Ten miles will also be the longest distance I’ve ever run, so it will feel good to achieve that, especially as the more I see pictures of the obstacles, the more I realise I’ve probably underestimated how fun but exhausting this Tough Mudder will actually be! 

You can donate to help Flora reach her fundraising target by visiting her Virgin Money Giving page

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• Easter Fundraising Ideas
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