A brain tumour patient is preparing to scale Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to raise funds for research into the disease.
Jamie Connolly will take on The Dare Skywalk on 26th September, stepping out on an exposed walkway 46.8 metres above the pitch, to raise awareness of our cause.
Jamie, 36, a Healthcare Assistant from Rowley Regis, was just 16 when he was diagnosed with an astrocytoma in June 2004, after collapsing at home while playing on his PlayStation. He was midway through his GCSEs.
Four days later, he underwent surgery at Birmingham Children's Hospital. Despite the significant risks, including potential loss of speech, sight, hearing and mobility, surgeons successfully removed 84% of the tumour. The remainder was deemed too close to Jamie’s central nervous system to safely extract.
In 2005, a routine scan revealed the devastating news that two new tumours had developed. Thankfully, they were successfully removed during a second operation, in which surgeons were also able to extract the remaining cells from the original tumour. But, in 2012, Jamie needed yet more surgery, when a fourth tumour was discovered.
Despite these challenges and living under the shadow of three-monthly scans, Jamie married his wife Jody in 2015 and continues to work, all while advocating for better outcomes for others affected by brain tumours.
Jamie, who has already raised £400 for Brain Tumour Research, said: “After everything I’ve been through, this challenge feels like the right way to push myself and give something back. It’s going to be terrifying, but nothing compared to hearing you have a brain tumour. I’m doing this to raise awareness and to help fund the research that could one day save lives. I hope this inspires others to get involved too.”
You can support Jamie’s fundraising efforts and donate to Brain Tumour Research through his JustGiving page, helping to bring hope to young brain tumour patients of the future.
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