My journey with cancer

At 32 years old, I had my second brain surgery which was followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment for my brain tumour. The Cancer Society were a huge support network and I will be eternally grateful for everything they did for me, hence why I would like to do what I can, to raise funds for them.

The journey was tough, and took a huge toll on my body and mind; I was determined to not let it define who I was, and started thinking bigger than the tumour and the treatment needed to destroy it.

In August 2019, I had a MRI scan which confirmed that the tumour had gone. Now it was time to continue on with my life, and resume ticking off the bucket list. In December 2019, I competed in Taupo Ironman 70.3, closely followed by Wanaka Challenge in February 2020; to which I qualified for the World Championships in Slovenia.

The next event is Ironman Taupo in March 2021. An Ironman is widely considered one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world. 3.8km swim, 180km bike and a full marathon.

I would like my story to be used as a beacon of hope to those in similar situations to mine a few years ago - you will get through it, and you can achieve anything you could before treatment, and more, with the right mindset.