Brain Research UK

Alexander Hennessy

Alexander Hennessy

Alexander Hennessy

My Story

On August 27th, 2016 I suffered an arteriovenous malformation on the right frontal lobe of my brain unexpectedly which led to me having a brain haemorrhage. This resulted in me being placed into an induced coma in Salford Royal which led to me having an emergency operation and the chance of survival was 0.0000007% . I was there for over 4 weeks, and on 27th September, I discharged myself due to me hating hospital so much. Now I want you to imagine being bed bound, not being allowed out of the ward for 4 whole weeks. I know it l doesn’t sound long but just imagine not being able to get out of bed for that amount of time. I came home and complained that my head felt like someone had placed a sledgehammer into it, to put it bluntly. The pain went from 0 to 100 in seconds, before I knew it I was being rushed back to Salford Royal. I had a CT scan within 10 minutes and rushed into a emergency operation once again. Now when I was in hospital I was given three options which could occur. 1. They would wash out the infection 2. I would die or 3. I lose my skull. Obviously in so much pain, I signed away, much to my parents disbelief. I was in theatre for over 6 hours. My mum turned around to me the next day and said do you realise what has happened and explained I had no clue. She said I had lost my skull. Now I know some of you will be thinking how do you lose your skull, but unfortunately I did. At this moment I burst into tears and lost all my confidence I ever had. It has taken me a whole year to get my skull replaced with a ceramic plate at the cost of the NHS which I am truly grateful for. Although I don’t have my confidence back the most important thing I am grateful for is to my amazing friends and family who have constantly been there for me throughout this difficult period. I have had highs yet so many lows but one thing is I am going to leave you guys with is a quote which got me though each day: Appreciate Life, right here, right now!

On 2nd October 2022, I will be taking part in the TCS London Marathon for Brain Research UK. I share the charity's vision of a world where everyone with a neurological condition lives better, longer. Brain Research UK has three current research priorities: brain tumours, brain and spinal cord injuries, and headaches and facial pain. The charity also funds projects in other neurological areas, such as epilepsy and dementia.

Please join me in supporting Brain Research UK by sponsoring me on this challenge. I will be very grateful for any donations towards this cause, no matter how big or small is honestly much appreicated.

Thank you very much

Brain Research UK

Raising for:

Brain Research UK
105%

Funded

  • Target
    £2,000
  • Raised so far
    £2,096
  • Number of donors
    61

My Story

On August 27th, 2016 I suffered an arteriovenous malformation on the right frontal lobe of my brain unexpectedly which led to me having a brain haemorrhage. This resulted in me being placed into an induced coma in Salford Royal which led to me having an emergency operation and the chance of survival was 0.0000007% . I was there for over 4 weeks, and on 27th September, I discharged myself due to me hating hospital so much. Now I want you to imagine being bed bound, not being allowed out of the ward for 4 whole weeks. I know it l doesn’t sound long but just imagine not being able to get out of bed for that amount of time. I came home and complained that my head felt like someone had placed a sledgehammer into it, to put it bluntly. The pain went from 0 to 100 in seconds, before I knew it I was being rushed back to Salford Royal. I had a CT scan within 10 minutes and rushed into a emergency operation once again. Now when I was in hospital I was given three options which could occur. 1. They would wash out the infection 2. I would die or 3. I lose my skull. Obviously in so much pain, I signed away, much to my parents disbelief. I was in theatre for over 6 hours. My mum turned around to me the next day and said do you realise what has happened and explained I had no clue. She said I had lost my skull. Now I know some of you will be thinking how do you lose your skull, but unfortunately I did. At this moment I burst into tears and lost all my confidence I ever had. It has taken me a whole year to get my skull replaced with a ceramic plate at the cost of the NHS which I am truly grateful for. Although I don’t have my confidence back the most important thing I am grateful for is to my amazing friends and family who have constantly been there for me throughout this difficult period. I have had highs yet so many lows but one thing is I am going to leave you guys with is a quote which got me though each day: Appreciate Life, right here, right now!

On 2nd October 2022, I will be taking part in the TCS London Marathon for Brain Research UK. I share the charity's vision of a world where everyone with a neurological condition lives better, longer. Brain Research UK has three current research priorities: brain tumours, brain and spinal cord injuries, and headaches and facial pain. The charity also funds projects in other neurological areas, such as epilepsy and dementia.

Please join me in supporting Brain Research UK by sponsoring me on this challenge. I will be very grateful for any donations towards this cause, no matter how big or small is honestly much appreicated.

Thank you very much