Back in 2013 in my first year at university I had just come back from my holiday and had been sent for an MRI scan because my GP thought I had epilepsy. The MRI scan soon revealed a brain tumour.
I laughed at my consultant who I had only just met and said “are you serious?” he said “yes”. I was given two options; to leave it, and have a few months to live, or have surgery with lots of risks. I chose surgery.
I came through surgery better than anybody thought I would. I took a year out of university to get better. Finally, in September 2014, I went back into my second year at university. I was so excited but anxious as it was a different class of people.
Anyway, at the end of second year of university I was diagnosed again with the same brain tumour. I spent my summer holidays having radiotherapy every day for 6 weeks. I turned 21 a week after treatment and spent my birthday being sick! I was also on steroids at this point and had put loads of weight on. Five weeks after radiotherapy, I went back to university for my third and final year. It was so hard dealing with the stress of Uni and managing my side effects. But, on 18th July 2016 I graduated.
I live in St Helens, near Liverpool, and travel 190 miles to do stuff with Teens Unite because it is simply an amazing charity where you make life-long friends who understand you. Even the people who work & volunteer for Teens Unite are your friends.
When I read this back it makes me realise that I have come so far and achieved more than I thought I would!
I also have my own facebook page called- ‘life with a brain tumour ain’t that bad’. My aim of this page is to let others know how I’m getting on and what I’m up to.
Volunteering with Teens Unite has changed my personality and outlook on life. When I hear all the amazing things the teens say about Teens Unite, I can tell they mean every word.
Nathan, 23, VolunteerTeens Unite isn't just a charity to me, it was the beginning of restarting my life.
Jess, 22, Teen, Acute Myeloid LeukaemiaWhen Elliot started receiving the support of Teens Unite, I could see a change in him straightaway. His outlook on life was becoming positive again and I gained strength from seeing my little boy accepting what had happened and starting to move forward.
David, Parent to Elliot, 18, Non-Hodgkins LymphomaI needed help and that's where Teens Unite came in. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and the reason I met Teens Unite was to save my life.
Harry, 20, Teen, Testicular CancerWith Teens Unite, I finally realised that I could climb out of this massive hole that I had been digging because I wasn't alone anymore.
Leanne, 21, Teen, Acute Lymphoblastic LeukaemiaIf it wasn't for Teens Unite, I wouldn't be where I am now. They have been really supportive and given me the strength to push myself and not give up.
Derry, 20, Teen, Brain TumourMy wife inspired me to volunteer following her fight against cancer. I wanted to help others carry on living their lives the way she did. And that's exactly what Teens Unite does.
John, 64, Volunteer