Brain tumour survivor runs from Land's End to John O'Groats

Sara Crosland said she was "relieved and overwhelmed" to complete the 17-day journey, a total of 857 miles, on Tuesday, April 11.

After being diagnosed with a rare Acoustic Neuroma brain tumour – also referred to as a Vestibular Schwannoma – in 2018 and receiving the all-clear, Sara has needed physio to relearn to balance and walk and also suffers with profound hearing loss, dizziness, nausea, tinnitus, vision problems, and facial palsy, along with chronic fatigue.

The 48-year-old intended to complete the trek from Land's End to John O'Groats in September 2022 but after completing just under 170 miles, she had to medically withdraw.

Not to be defeated, she underwent intensive rehab and physiotherapy and immediately set about planning to complete the challenge.

Completing the challenge

This time, Sara was supported by her friend, fellow brain tumour survivor and ultra runner, Kerry Horsman-Gray, 57, from Rugby and during the last few days, the pair were accompanied by Kerry’s sister Karin Smith, and Andrew Read, another brain tumour survivor.

Sara said: "From the start it was extremely difficult. I had picked up a throat infection just days before we set off. However, everything was in place and I just wanted to get it done.

"Apart from this, the first week went ok, but then I started to pick up injuries. We would try to guess which body part would hurt most the next morning.

Sara took 17 days to complete the challenge (Image: Sara Crosland)

"After what happened last time, I was determined to complete the journey whatever happened. As a backup, we had taken my bike – just in case. As it happens, that was one of the best decisions I ever made.

"As time went on, the chronic fatigue I still suffer with became a huge issue, and I picked up a couple of what turned out to be quite serious injuries. Thankfully, I was able to strap everything up and put a few miles in on the bike."

Sara and Kerry (Image: Sara Crosland)

Sara was joined along sections of the route by members of Running at 40 Plus, DH Runners, Red Rose and Mums Who Run running clubs, as well as meeting individuals who were living with a brain tumour diagnosis and their families.

"This was by far the most rewarding part of the journey", Sara said.

"Rather than it being about the running, it took on a new meaning for us. Meeting others living with the same symptoms as Kerry and I, and learning about the challenges they face everyday was truly humbling.

"It also highlighted just how much work needs to be done to raise awareness not only of brain tumours themselves, but the hidden disabilities many of us are left with as a result of treatment. To chat with these individuals, some of whom were kind enough to accommodate us overnight, really gave this challenge new meaning."

Sara and Kerry used the challenge to fundraise for three charities that have supported them.

The British Acoustic Neuroma Association (BANA) for which Sara is ambassador, Brain Tumour Research and the Skull Base Foundation. 

Sara is now planning her next challenge.

To find out how you can support these charities, visit Sara's website at www.saracrosland.com/lejog.