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MY STORY 

In May 2021, while playing a football match I became suddenly ill after receiving a knock on the head from the ball. After treatment, it was clear from the advice of my coaches that I should make my way up to the hospital to check for a seemingly already apparent concussion. After multiple scans at the hospital, it was clear that something seemed different and something wasn't right. Then suddenly, before I knew it the nurse had confirmed to me and my mum that the scans, intentionally checking for a concussion, had picked up there was something alarming in the right rear of my brain. 

In followed and what seemed like years, I was diagnosed to have a benign brain tumour. After consultations with my doctors I, after only amazingly, 1 month, had an operation to successfully remove the safe parts of my brain tumour. 

Since that day;

- 16 days later (YES, 16 DAYS) I returned to my work and began to coach football again. 

- 4 Weeks after surgery I returned to physical activity (after following my doctor's advice) and began to train in non-contact form with my team. 

- Exactly 12 weeks later - almost to the day - I returned to competitive football and scored four on my comeback game - with one coming within the first 10 minutes of coming on. 

Within this, I'd like to place my personal thanks to all that helped that day and gave me and my family the correct advice to attend the hospital, and more specifically Babs and Alan who got me there and stayed with me when I was receiving the worst news possible. Many of you have already pointed out but if I didn't attend the hospital for the concussion I would still not know to this day!  

Furthermore, I'd like to thank all at (previously) Redhall Star 2005 who were exceptional during treatment, recovery, and more importantly in my comeback to doing what I love! A massive thanks does go to the guys at my work (Heart of Midlothian Community Football Department) who treated me like normal and made my transition into work exceptional despite what was going on at the time! 

Individual thanks obviously to my family and Russell Higgins, Chris (Baggins), Michael Bianco, (CJ) Sandison, Gregg Veitch, Ryan Hildersley, and Aaron McGregor! All the guys mentioned above went above and beyond to make this time as easy as possible for a nippy wee **** like me.  

A special mention to Logan, Sam W, Kieron, Harry and Andrew at school who treated me with the upmost respect and always took an interest in my treatment which made me feel still relevant and purposeful when feeling down. Top guys and mates for life, no doubt! 👏🏼👏🏼

Thank you so much for reading! 

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