Herefordshire's Tom Parker, is marking five years since his brain tumour surgery by running across a desert for Brain Tumour Research.

In 2019, Mr Parker, then 27, was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma after enduring 12 hours of being violently sick.

He underwent a 10-hour operation at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where he had a golf ball sized tumour removed.

The 32-year-old from Ledbury is journeying more than 3,200 miles to Jordan for the Wadi Rum Half Marathon on May 24.

Mr Parker said: "At the time, I was in France with some friends when I fell ill.

"Within 18 hours of my sickness starting, I found out I had a brain tumour.

"I knew about the disease after watching someone I knew in France die from it.

"I was scared I was going to die."

Ledbury Reporter: Tom and his partner, JoTom and his partner, Jo (Image: Tom Parker)

The tumour and surgery left Parker partially blind in the right side of both eyes due to nerve damage.

Despite his challenges, Mr Parker transformed his struggle into motivation, setting philanthropic goals since 2021.

He said: "My brain tumour has allowed me to gain perspective on things.

"Every stable scan has been a relief and means I celebrate milestones when I reach them which is what brought me to support Brain Tumour Research."

Mr Parker, sharing the same name as popstar Tom Parker who tragically died of a brain tumour, felt a deep connection with the late musician.

He said: "Sharing the same name as the popstar Tom Parker, watching his story unfold, it did hit me hard.

"I witnessed what he did for the brain tumour community, selflessly sharing his experience which made learning of his death incredibly heartbreaking.

"I’m proud to be able to continue a legacy he established.”

Louise Aubrey, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Tom’s story is shocking although not unusual.

"Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age.

"We’re grateful to Tom for taking the time to share his diagnosis with us and wish him the best of luck with his desert dash."

Donations to Mr Parker's challenge can be made at: www.justgiving.com/page/the-desert-dash-for-brain-tumour-research.