Donegal brain tumor survivor prepares to scale North Africa’s highest peak

A brain tumor survivor, from Donegal, Wendy Gourley is set to scale North Africa’s highest peak.

Wendy, from Quigley’s Point, has joined a team of courageous brain tumor survivors. The team are preparing to conquer Mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains.

The Beyond Recovery Project team training weekend in Snowdonia

For these survivors, the journey to conquer the highest peak in North Africa at 4,167m represents more than just a physical feat. It is a powerful statement of their resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit. By embarking on this adventure, they hope to inspire others facing similar battles and raise awareness about the importance of supporting brain tumor survivors on their journey to recovery.

The team members have undergone gruelling treatments that have left lasting side effects. These include hearing loss, balance issues, impaired vision and chronic fatigue to name just a few. Yet despite the challenges they have faced, they have come together to take on this monumental challenge, as a symbol of their strength and perseverance.

Wendy was diagnosed in 2009 and having been treated at The Royal Victoria, Belfast and St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, she now faces daily challenges caused by the effects of damage caused by the tumor and its treatment.

Wendy undergoing treatment

“It has been amazing to be part of The Beyond Recovery Project, especially after a difficult period when I was diagnosed with tumor regrowth 10 years post-surgery, which required further treatment in 2021,” Wendy revealed. “Taking on this challenge is exactly what I needed to get my life back on track. Doing it with others with a similar diagnosis is so empowering, as we all have similar challenges and know how to support each other.

“Fitting in the training alongside work and family commitments has been difficult but the benefits far outweigh this; the mental and physical benefits of getting out in nature to walk is immeasurable, as is having the constant support of the team.

“To help with training, I joined The Foyle Hillwalking Club, where I’ve also met many great people, and had the opportunity to climb many mountains and hills across Donegal, Derry and further afield.”

The trip to Mount Toubkal has been organised and funded by The Beyond Recovery Project, a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) dedicated to supporting the physical and mental health and well-being of brain tumor survivors through outdoor and nature-based activities and therapies.

The organisation was set up last year by Sara Crossland, from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. Sara, a brain tumor survivor herself recognised the gaps in support once you have undergone treatment.

“Treatment is finished, follow-up appointments and contact with medical professionals become few and far between, yet the life-changing effects of a brain tumor diagnosis are often still there,” Sara said. “Years later, navigating a new normal can still be a real challenge and not without its problems. The experiences we provide, not only offer survivors an opportunity to reconnect with nature but also serve as a catalyst for personal growth, self-confidence and renewed hope.

“Recovery after a brain tumor diagnosis certainly doesn’t come with a handbook. Navigating this journey is hard. The Beyond Recovery Project is all about bringing together others on the same or similar journey, creating a ‘safe’ space and sense of community where survivors can share experiences and learn how to push beyond the physical and psychological barriers they face.”