Went back to Morocco recently to recce the tours for next year. First time I’ve been for 5 years, but it felt just like I was home again. Was great to catch up with Ali at the Nomad Palace. Sadly only a hire car this time, but can’t wait to get back here in November on a bike and start doing some training. Sand dunes, my idea of off-road heaven.
The Medical Bit
I’ve thought long and hard about how much of the medical side of things to share with everyone, but to be honest, if you’re looking to motivate other sufferers, it’s important to let them see exactly what it is you’ve gone through and what you’re fighting to come back from. So here it is in black and white so to speak.
As you can see, the tumour is a pretty sizeable one situated just behind my eye.
The surgeon spent about 14 hours trying to remove as much as he could and probably managed about 70%. It’s benign, so isn’t going to spread anywhere else, but there’s no reason to think that it won’t grow back over time. Nobody knows how long that will take though. There is the option to go back for more surgery at some point in the future, but in the meantime, I plan to get on
As you can see from the pictures, they certainly opened up a pretty big hole in my head to get at it.
Fortunately, now that I’m no longer on steroids, I don’t look like I’m trying to do hamster impressions any more thank goodness.
It’s an interesting look, but I can’t see it catching on in the fashion world.
Crowdfunding page
For anyone that would like to support my charity fundraising efforts, please click on the link below. The money raised will be split between The Brain Tumour Charity and the neurosurgical ward at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mickextancedakar2020
Reaching the start line is a financial challenge on it’s own, so if you feel you would like to help with that side of the project, please contact us directly.
email: Richard@mickextanceexperience.com
telephone: 01691 860886
Training has started, but there’s an awful long way to go.
Dakar 2020 The Journey Begins.
In 2017 I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and subsequently underwent 16 hours of surgery. The drive to recover from this comes from my love of riding bikes and so began the journey to Dakar 2020.
You never know what life is going to throw at you, but I feel as though I have been given a second chance and I intend to do something positive with it.
By competing in the world’s toughest endurance race I am hoping that I can motivate other brain tumour sufferers to keep on fighting and also raise lots of money for the neurosurgical ward at Royal Stoke University Hospital. I could not be more grateful to all the staff there and would like to give something back.
If you would like to get involved in the project, please get in touch.
email: richard@mickextanceexperience.com
Telephone: 01691 860886
Follow my progress towards the rally and help me to support a cause that is very close to my heart.