AN inspirational mum-of-three who overcame a rare, life-threatening brain tumour is planning her toughest fundraising challenge yet – to run the entire length of the country within 20 days.

Sara Crosland, 46, from Ellesmere Port, intends to complete the daunting 855-mile trek from Land's End to John o' Groats in September next year.

The keen runner, who took part in an ultramarathon earlier this year, not only wants to push herself to the limit but inspire others to do the same.

She also sees this particular challenge as an opportunity to raise awareness of the cruel condition and share her story with people across the country who have had similar experiences.

Sara, who runs a photography studio on Raddle Wharf in Ellesmere Port, was diagnosed with a rare Acoustic Neuroma brain tumour – also referred to as a Vestibular Schwannoma – in 2018.

That April she suffered the uncommon complication of a haemorrhage and a month later underwent an eight-hour operation to remove the tumour.

Whilst the surgery was a success, Sara found herself permanently and profoundly deaf with no balance on one side, unable to walk and needing intensive vestibular rehabilitation therapy.

Despite still suffering with chronic fatigue and invasive tinnitus, she has been determined to overcome the many challenges her illness has presented.

Sara, who intends to run 40-45 miles a day during the challenge, said: "Life doesn’t always work out the way we plan. I want to show others that despite the obstacles that often arise, with the right mindset we can still achieve.

"I wanted to take on a challenge that would not only push my limits, but to get others to consider pushing theirs.

"Receiving my diagnosis made me realise how much I had been short-changing myself.

"Running the length of the country will also give me the opportunity to meet others in a similar position and share experiences."

However, to make her charity challenge possible, she is in need of support.

Sara explained: "A project like this obviously requires some outlay, and I am looking for individuals, businesses and organisations who would be willing to support my vision."

During the summer Sara completed a 100km ultramarathon challenge in the Lake District with former Liverpool Ladies Football Club goalkeeper and fellow brain tumour survivor and charity ambassador, Danielle Gibbons.

The pair were fundraising for Brain Tumour Research and the British Acoustic Neuroma Association (BANA).

Sara is an ambassador for BANA and will be fundraising for the charity during next year's challenge, as well as raising awareness of brain tumours and the problems they cause, including hidden disabilities.

She will also be fundraising for The Skull Base Foundation, a collaboration between the Manchester Skull Base Unit and the Frances Barbara Thornley Trust, who aim to support development in the care of patients with skull base disease through education and through clinical and basic science research.

Sara hopes to produce a documentary about the challenge, sharing the highs and lows of training whilst battling the unseen effects of her surgery.

She is also currently continuing to share her experience with schools and businesses, and recently published a book, ‘Sickbed to Summits’.