My story starts in 2017 when I was diagnosed with a grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma (type on tumour).  I was dropped the real ‘C’ bomb, which turned my life upside down, quite a shock at only 33.

Within 2 weeks, I was in hospital for surgery where they were able to remove most of it, but due to its location not it all.  Quite an experience being awake having someone poke around inside your head, especially when he says ‘oops’

Following this I then had 30 exhausting sessions of radiotherapy and 12  months of chemo, it was a long 12 months, not just for me but my wife and children.  There’s no easy way to tell your kids what’s happening and the journey continues…

My 5 year anniversary is quickly approaching and this walk in nearly the anniversary itself and time flies, I see myself as quite lucky, lucky to get the diagnosis when I did and start my treatment as quickly which has given my the best possible long term possibilities. 

To date Tony (my tumours name - Tony’s a D*ck BTW) is behaving himself, I feel lucky I have had such a good medical team with me on my journey from the surgeons at the LGI to the cancer team and St James’ both in Leeds.   I was given a prognosis of 5 - 9years, but I live in a positive mindset of ‘I’m not a statistic’ and that I am charge of Tony and he will not get the better of me!

But by supporting charities like this, we can beat these horrible diseases.  The sooner we beat them the better, cancer sucks and too many people get it, it’s never a fair story and too many have sad endings.  I’m doing my bit by putting on my boots, please help support me and help bring more happy endings to the 33 people every day who are diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Let’s make taking on a brain tumour a fair fight and let’s get more survivors.

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, were moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour.We're set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And were doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can't wait.