A man, left paralysed on one side as a child as a result of a brain tumour, is getting ready to use his pedal power to bring hope for others affected by the disease.
James Crossley was just nine years old when he was diagnosed with a rare astrocytoma. After two surgeries to remove the tumour and nearly all of his left temporal lobe, he was left paralysed down his right side and lost 50% of his vision and his ability to speak.
With the support of doctors and nurses at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury and John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, as well as physiotherapists, teaching assistants, occupational therapists and speech therapists, and of course, family; James learnt to walk and talk and read and write again.
Against all odds, James would go on to complete school and an art foundation degree and last year he won a national champion para-tricycling event in Andover.
Despite lingering issues, James, now 33, is determined to “never let the brain tumour stop me from doing anything” and on Thursday, he will be among hundreds of supporters taking part in our Cycle 274 Miles in August challenge. He’ll be completing his miles on a tricycle, alongside his wife, Rachael.
James said: “I wish I never had a brain tumour, but I am so grateful for the life I have been able to have and want to raise as much money as possible for Brain Tumour Research so other young people battling the disease can have the same opportunity.”
To help James reach his fundraising target, please click here to donate via his JustGiving page.
There’s still time to join the Cycle 274 Miles in August challenge, if you haven’t already done so. Signing up is quick and easy. Find out more here.
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Published Tuesday 30th July 2024.