A YOUNG Islander who underwent double brain surgery last year is running a half marathon in London to raise funds for research which could find a cure for his tumour.
In April 2022, when his speech started to stutter and his memory began to decline, Ryan O’Shea (27) went to the doctor – and after a series of scans, emergency appointments, and surgeries, he was diagnosed with Grade 1 diffuse astrocytoma, a slow-growing type of brain tumour.
In his return to work post-surgery earlier this year, he was supported with counselling provided by The Jersey Brain Tumour Charity – whom he raised funds for by completing the Island Walk in 17 hours 45 minutes and 11 seconds.
However, he has now set himself another challenge, the Royal Parks Half Marathon, which will be his second half marathon and his first not in the Island.
He is running the marathon on 8 October in aid of the UK’s Brain Tumour Charity, which is the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. It sets out to find new treatments and drive urgent change for those with the condition.
His minimum fundraising target to secure his place for the run is £450.
Mr O’Shea explained why he chose the charity, saying: ‘Due to the location of my tumour, it wasn’t possible to remove it, but it was possible to have a shunt installed internally.
‘If they do surgery again, it would be difficult and dangerous, so if there ever was a treatment to help with my condition, that would be amazing.’
He added that training has been ‘harder than expected’, saying: ‘Whenever I get a cold or flu, it brings up my symptoms a lot more, and I get headaches and more fatigued.
‘I’m still getting the runs done and dusted, though, and getting out there.’
He also hopes to raise awareness that brain tumours can happen to anyone, despite their age, after he was told that his type of tumour was typically found in people aged 55 to 65 and cases in his age range are rare.
Mr O’Shea is a keen sportsman, winning two team bronze medals for Jersey in cycling events at the Island Games in 2013.
However, after his diagnosis and surgery, he was told that he could no longer race, and decided to take up running.
Since the new year, he has joined a local running club (Rock n’ Road Runners) to help with his physical and mental health.
To sponsor Mr O’Shea, visit his online fundraising page at sportsgiving.co.uk via the link: https://shorturl.at/inF05
