Ed Jennings, 38, who now lives in Brockley, was diagnosed with an astrocytoma brain tumour in January 2022 after suffering a seizure while on a skiing holiday in Italy.
The music and English teacher was living in Sydney at the time and has since undergone surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
“Although that treatment made me feel a bit rubbish, I didn’t want to let my diagnosis dictate my life.
“I could move my fingers and legs, but it was very sluggish.
“Over time it improved although now I sing more rather than play instruments.”
He now lives with epilepsy, which he manages with daily medication.
Determined not to let the tumour define him, Mr Jennings has taken on a series of physical challenges to raise awareness and funds for Brain Tumour Research.
The following week, he will run the Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon, which he has dubbed his “homecoming half,” to continue raising funds for the cause.
Mr Jennings said: “The good thing about running is that it doesn’t need skill such as agility, I can just keep moving forward with momentum and lots of training.
“I’ve started playing weekly five-a-side football as a means of cross training between runs.
“And I’m loving it.
“It also works as a great way to continue building better body movement, as I continue to feel the impact of a tumour that sat on the motor strip of my brain.”
He said: “I’m fundraising for Brain Tumour Research because I want more people to understand how devastating brain tumours can be, especially the high-grade types.
“It’s shocking that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.
“It simply doesn’t get the airtime or funding it deserves, and that’s what I want to help change.”
Donations can be made via Ed’s fundraising page here
Brain Tumour Research is calling for a national annual spend of £35 million to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia.
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Ed’s spirit in living alongside his diagnosis is admirable and we’re so grateful he’s shared his story and chosen to support Brain Tumour Research.
“With the support of people like Ed and Ben, we can drive forward the research needed to find less harsh treatments and, ultimately, a cure.”
