Meeting a brain tumour patient inspired a young woman to make Brain Tumour Research her chosen charity when she takes on an epic challenge this month.
Hannah McKenna didn’t know anyone with a brain tumour until she got talking to 37-year-old Neil Taylor, dad to Annabelle, five, and one-year-old Harvey, and was shocked to hear that he had a terminal prognosis.
Neil, who set up our Fundraising Group, Neil’s Appeal, was found to have a brain tumour in February 2017 after suffering a couple of seizures and was given a survival prognosis of five to 10 years. He is already on year five and has given up a good job as a franchise supervisor at McDonald’s to spend more time with his wife Alex and his children.
Hannah is flying out to Kathmandu today (25 October) ahead of 15 days of trekking up to Everest Base Camp, over the Chola Pass and around the Gokyo Lakes, climbing to a height of 5,420 metres and averaging seven hours of hiking a day.
Hannah, who suffered with altitude sickness when she summitted Kilmanjaro in 2017, said: ”I am nervous but really excited about my Everest challenge and I know Neil will be my inspiration when things get tough. He’s such a positive guy and has the loveliest wife and gorgeous children.”
We wish Hannah all the very best for her mountainous challenge! You can sponsor her via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Hannah-Everest