A brain tumour patient who has lived with a constant headache for the past 10 years is set to mark his ‘tumourversary’ and raise money for Brain Tumour Research by completing an impressive 10km of movement a day for 10 months.
Former semi-professional goalkeeper Tom Mayor, from Oxfordshire, was diagnosed with a pituitary brain tumour in 2014. More tests revealed that the then 24-year-old, who is 6ft 6in and has size 14 feet, also has a growth hormone disorder known as acromegaly – thought to be triggered by the brain tumour – which is responsible for his height and unusually large hands.
Tom, now 34, said: “I’ve always been tall which I put down to my family genes, however doctors told me my height was probably spurred on by the tumour. My hands were large for my age and my fingers would swell up like a pack of large sausages.”
Tom had three operations over four years, removing more than half the mass. He has been left with life-changing conditions including diabetes insipidus - an excessive thirst that without medication means he can drink up to 15 litres a day.
The NHS programme manager, who lives with his fiancé Bec and dog Brew, said: “I’ve probably had the tumour my whole life and despite surgery, it’s still growing. I’ve been told that another operation would be too risky.
“I’ve had a constant headache for the last decade which feels like the longest ever hangover. Being outside helps but nothing seems to alleviate the pain which I have now learned to live with.”
Tom is marking a decade since his first surgery by completing 10km of movement every day for 10 months.
He said: “My challenge will include running, cycling, swimming and any other method of movement I can do for that length of distance. As with the complexities of living with a brain tumour, there might be some days where I feel motivated to complete more than 10km, compensating for other days when my body won’t let me out the door. When possible, 10km will be the goal, every day until the 31st of October 2024.
“This isn’t just about me. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. I’m determined to do my bit to change that.”
To donate to Brain Tumour Research via Tom’s challenge, please visit: www.justgiving.com/page/tom-mayor-10k-a-day
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