Cancer researcher turned patient takes on Brainathlon

1 min read

A scientist who has spent much of her life researching cancer, is taking part in Brainathlon to support three leading neurological research charities following her own brain tumour diagnosis.

Nadège Presneau was diagnosed with a rare, high-grade haemangiopericytoma/solitary fibrous tumour (HPC-SFT) in February 2019. She underwent a craniotomy, followed by a six-week course of high-energy radiation and is now being monitored with regular scans.

Nadège, a lecturer at the University of Westminster and part of the Cancer Research group in the school of Life Sciences, said: “It is ironic that I have spent much of my career researching cancer and, in particular, soft tissue tumours. To my absolute horror, I, the researcher had become the patient.”

Now, Nadège has signed up to take part in Brainathlon to raise funds and awareness for three leading neurological research charities: Brain Research UK, Brain Tumour Research and Epilepsy Research UK.

She added: “I’m doing Brainathlon because I’m affected by both epilepsy and a brain tumour and because it’s a challenge for me as I’m not always 100% fit. I’m going to prove to myself that I can do it. Yes I have a disability and epilepsy now but I can do a Brainathlon. I’m still alive and grateful for that but recognise that we need more treatments for brain tumours in general.”

There’s still time to sign up for Brainathlon! Take part in the challenge and walk 10 miles, run 15 miles and climb 1.2 miles (by walking up 2,500 stairs or equivalent) to complete the 26.2 miles of the challenge during Brainathlon Week (Monday 25th April to Sunday 1st May).

Find out more and register online at https://brainathlon.realbuzzevents.com/en/

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