A MOTHER who has twice overcome a battle with brain tumour is starting treatment on the reoccurring tumour for a third time - within a week of completing the London Marathon.

Michaela Laidlaw, 30, from York, will begin cancer treatment for a third time today however, that did not stop her completing the London Marathon to prove to her two-year-old son that “you must never give in” and to also raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity.

She said: “I was first diagnosed with an oligodendraglioma brain tumour in January 2015, which had been growing for about 10 years, and then again in 2017 when it returned.

“The second operation was successful and myself and my husband Neil thought the ordeal was behind us. I continued with regular monthly check-ups but unfortunately the tumour returned in December last year.

“By that time, I had already volunteered to run the London Marathon for The Brain Tumour Charity and thankfully the doctor said I could start my cancer treatment after the race.”

Michaela said that she completed the marathon to help raise more awareness for others who are also tackling the fear of a brain tumour, and to prove to her son, Spencer, how important determination is.

She said: “Running the marathon was a wonderful experience. I managed to complete the marathon in four and a half hours which was a great achievement for me.

“Most importantly, I did it to prove to my son when he is older that through the hard times you must remain determined to work hard and never give up.

“The impact of living with a brain tumour has had, and still has, a huge effect on me and my family both physically and mentally,

“But I’m one of the lucky ones, and as I’ve always said, there are always people worse off. If I can help just one person’s state of mind, it would be worthwhile.”

Michaela will today begin a gruelling course of radiotherapy for a six weeks, followed by a six-month course of chemotherapy.

She added that if the treatment goes well she hopes that she can complete the Edinburgh Marathon next year and also climb Mount Kilimanjaro for The Brain Tumour Charity.

So far, Michaela has raised more than £7,000. To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/michaela-laidlaw.