A woman who had to relearn to walk and talk following a brain tumour diagnosis at the age of four is taking on a walking charity challenge.

Kristel O’Rourke, from Thame, was diagnosed with a low-grade astrocytoma as a child.

After ten years of stable scans, she was given the all-clear, but has lived with the long-term impacts of the tumour, including limited mobility on one side and no peripheral vision.

Oxford Mail: Kristel O’Rourke in 1983, four months after her surgeryKristel O’Rourke in 1983, four months after her surgery (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

Ms O'Rourke said: "I was diagnosed at such a young age that I didn’t know any different.

"I had surgery in the May and started school in September after having to learn to move my body and communicate with speech again.

"I feel lucky that I needed no further treatment and was surrounded by a network of professionals who helped me get to where I am today."

Oxford Mail: Kristel O’Rourke's hands were affected by her conditionKristel O’Rourke's hands were affected by her condition (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

She is now gearing up to join Run 15, a challenge initiated by Brain Tumour Research to mark its 15-year anniversary.

In February, participants are tasked with running 15 miles, 15km or running on 15 days of the month.

Despite her physical limitations, Ms O'Rourke, a former Transport for London worker turned receptionist, is determined to overcome these barriers.

She said: "I’ll never know if I was going to be any good at running, because of the nerve and muscle damage caused by the tumour, leaving my entire right side being weak ever since.

"However, I will tailor the challenge to something I can do.

"I may do a bit of extra walking, I'll definitely use Zumba and I'll dust off my exercise bike to clock up the miles throughout the entire month of February.

She added: "Decades later, there is still a lack of treatment options for brain tumour patients when compared with some other cancers.

"I was lucky. I've lived a normal life after my brain tumour. Others don't get these chances.

Oxford Mail: Kristel O’Rourke in 1984 aged fiveKristel O’Rourke in 1984 aged five (Image: Brain Tumour Research)

"Any donations towards research to eradicate this indiscriminate disease will be a huge help."

To donate to Brain Tumour Research via Ms O'Rourke's fundraiser, visit her JustGiving page.

Head of community fundraising at Brain Tumour Research, Katrina Jones, said: "It’s great to hear stories of hope like Kristel’s, because for far too many patients the outcome is very different.

"We’re determined to change this but we can’t do it alone.

"We’re really grateful to Kristel for her support and wish her the best of luck with her Run 15 in February challenge."

Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK.

It also campaigns for increased investment in research into brain tumours to speed up new treatments for patients and ultimately find a cure.