Mum's fund-raising thanks to brain cancer charity

A BRAIN tumour survivor joined hundreds of grateful patients, family and friends at an event to raise thousands for Neurocare Charity at its biggest annual fundraiser.

Mum Holly Crosby (32), from North Anston, was amongst the crowds at Rother Valley Country Park for Head Start— a 5k and 10k running event to raise funds for the neurosciences department at the city’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital.

Holly was treated on the neurosciences ward a decade ago, having been diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma — a rare type of brain tumour — following a routine blood test which showed her hormone levels were unusually high.

She underwent brain surgery and radiotherapy to remove the tumour, after being told she could lose her sight and that the location of the tumour may affect her fertility.  

But she defied the odds and fell pregnant with baby boy Isaac (now aged six), just before her wedding.

Holly had her brain op in 2008 after being warned she may go blind if the tumour wasn’t removed, followed by radiotherapy.

She was amazed when she had Isaac and is now hoping for the best, with routine tests every year.

“Over the years it has been difficult to live with — either worrying about the future or thinking about difficult times in the past,” she said.

“I’ve had a lot of support from close family and friends and I’d encourage others to talk about the truth of how things like this affect you.” 

To say thank you for her care, previously Holly has raised £800 for Neurocare with a further £1,200 raised from the Head Start event.