A READING man who was diagnosed with a life-changing brain tumour prepares to scale three of the UK’s most iconic peaks for Brain Tumour Research next month.

The father of two, alongside ten members of his family will take on the famous Yorkshire three-peak challenge on May 1.

Despite the treatment ‘stripping him of his fitness’ he will aim to complete the scenic 25-mile scenic route in fewer than 12 hours.

Jeremy Payne, 46, was diagnosed with a grade 2/3 oligodendroglioma in 2016 after suffering a seizure whilst out with a friend.

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The keen cyclist and runner who used to clock up more than 16 miles each week said: “I was dealt a bum card, and although living with a brain tumour has stripped me of my fitness, it could be a lot worse.”

After a number of surgeries and several gruelling rounds of chemotherapy Jeremy has been left with life-changing side effects including anxiety, confusion and epilepsy.

He added: “I was always a ‘take the stairs instead of the lift’ person, but now even going up and down the stairs is difficult.

"No-one prepares you for the side effects of living with a brain tumour and fatigue has only spurred me on to want to complete this challenge.

“My family will be with me and we plan to have regular stops and I know with their support, and encouragement I will get through it.”

Joining him on his mountain challenge are his two children, Charlie who is 14 and 13-year-old Oliver who will be the youngest walker, alongside their army of aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.

Also taking part in the challenge is Jeremy’s father, Robert Payne, who is the eldest walker at the age of 74. The family of hikers will scale and summit iconic peaks including Pen-y-ghent (694m), Whernside (736m) and Ingleborough (723m) in less than 12 hours.

Jeremy who was originally given three to five years to live, added: “I wanted to know my prognosis – finding out has helped me accept my diagnosis - it comes with its ups and downs.

"It’s been an emotional rollercoaster and I wouldn’t have got through the last six years without the support of my wife, Melanie.

“One of the strangest feelings I get now is that I know the end is coming, it’s a ticking time bomb and I have the overwhelming feeling of not being able to look into the future.”

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Less than 12% of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years compared with an average of 50% across all cancers.

Mel Tiley, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re grateful to Jeremy for sharing his story to help us raise awareness of this devasting disease.

 

We’re thankful to him and his family for taking on a fundraising challenge to help us fundraise too. Unlike many other cancers, brain tumours are indiscriminate. T

 

hey can affect anyone at any time. Too little is known about the causes and that is why increased investment in research is vital.”