A dad-of-two who lost the use of his right leg and hand after operations for a recurring brain tumour spoke of his joy at being able to take part in a fundraising walk "in the beauty of London".
Neil Danziger, of Queen’s Park, was joined by eight close friends for a sponsored 14km Walk of Hope in aid of the charity Brain Tumour Research on September 30.
The group’s trek took them from Hyde Park to Primrose Hill via Regent’s Park, past historical landmarks like the Albert Memorial, Wellington Arch as well as Kensington and Buckingham Palace.
They even picked up an American tourist, who asked if he could walk with them and generously donated $100.
Along the way they passed University College Hospital’s Macmillan Cancer Care Centre, where Neil is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Neil, who works in recruitment, said it was a "really enjoyable day".
"It was wonderful to connect with my friends and for all of us to do it in our pink Brain Tumour Research T-shirts," he added.
“We walked at a nice pace and it was great taking in the beauty of London in the autumn sunshine. Everyone’s already asking me when we can do it again.”
The 48-year-old was diagnosed with a brain tumour in January 2021 after experiencing light-headedness followed by a strong ‘phantom’ smell that did not exist.
Neil’s tumour was treated aggressively after tests on surrounding cells showed a mutated gene more commonly found in high-grade tumours.
He underwent surgery, followed by six weeks of combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy and a further six cycles of chemo.
But a routine scan in January showed signs of regrowth.
Neil underwent another operation through his skull but suffered post-surgical complications as a result of his brain swelling, which caused a severe deformity for around six weeks.
In May he started a 12-month course of chemotherapy, but in June lost control of his right leg and hand and had to undergo yet another operation after it was discovered he had suffered a brain haemorrhage.
Neil, who watched a flypast for King Charles III’s birthday from his hospital bed at the Cleveland Clinic London, said: “The surgery went well and everything came back very quickly after that. I was able to cut food with a knife at dinner and drink from a cup using my right hand.
“A follow-up scan showed the bleed had gone but a scan in August showed a few specks, which I was told could be the start of regrowth or my immune system operating post-bleed.
“Thankfully, a scan last month showed the dots had gone, so I’m now walking and doing more exercise again. I’m feeling more like myself and doing more normal things. I felt good and healthy doing the Walk of Hope.”
Neil completed his first Walk of Hope, with the same group of school friends, days after finishing chemotherapy in 2021, raising an impressive £16,900 for Brain Tumour Research.
He set a £15,000 target for his walk this year, which has already raised more than £14,300.
The cash is enough to sponsor five full days of research at one of the charity’s four centres of excellence, each day costing £2,740.
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “We were saddened to hear about all the complications Neil has suffered this year, but really pleased he was still able to take part in and enjoy our Walk of Hope. Once again he’s done amazingly well with his fundraising and we’re so grateful for his continued support.
“Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002.
“We’re determined to change this but we can’t do it alone. Neil knows only too well how vital research into this disease is and to have raised almost enough to fund 17 days of research is something he should feel very proud of. Together we will find a cure.”
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