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My marathon challenge
BRAVE Wesley Taylor has survived cutting edge surgery to treat a brain tumour the size of an egg - but is determined to get back on his feet to raise cash for the Sheffield hospital which saved his life.
The 25-year-old, from Thorpe Hesley, Rotherham, is in a wheelchair after treatment for the brain tumour detected after he began to suffer from seizures.
But now he wants to raise awareness of neurological conditions among young people by running a marathon for Neurocare, the Sheffield charity which supports the Neurosciences Department at the city's Hallamshire Hospital.
"Although it's been a terrible time for me and my family, the doctors and nurses on N ward are so caring and they soon became good friends," said Wesley, who is going through a rehabilitation treatment, which he hopes will get him walking and running again.
"I'm eternally grateful for their support. Despite my health, I'm determined to recover fully and take part in a marathon in aid of Neurocare when I'm better.
"That's my goal. But if I can't, I will do one in my wheelchair. They've saved my life, so it's the least I can do," said the former construction worker.
Wesley woke up one night after having a terrible fit, called 999 and was rushed to hospital by ambulance.
He discovered he had a non-cancerous but life-threatening brain tumour the size of an egg lodged in his head. He was referred to the Hallamshire, where he underwent surgery using a cutting edge Sonowand brain scanner.
The sophisticated equipment was bought by Neurocare two years ago following a major 500,000 appeal and is used to treat patients with non-cancerous and cancerous brain tumours.
It can see the brain in real time and produce a three dimensional image of it during surgery, making the difficult operations safer for patients. "The tumour was removed, but as the surgeons had to remove so much tissue, some of the nerves in my brain were damaged and I lost the control of the right side of my body," said Wesley.
"I eventually got the movement back, but had to have another operation following an infection and surgeons had no choice but to remove a part of my skull.
"Although the surgeons did all they could, unfortunately this has left me unable to walk and I'm now in a wheelchair. It's really sad because I used to enjoy running and now I just don't know if I will ever run again."
He has been told he has a 50-50 chance of walking again - but is determined to stay positive and hopes rehabilitation will help him.
Lesley Eland, fundraising director at Neurocare, said: "A lot of people don't realise that a brain tumour can affect absolutely anyone, young or old. What happened to Wesley is terrible, especially for someone so young, but his story is a real inspiration.
"When I visited him on the ward I was amazed at how he has stayed so positive, it is so inspiring and we are really grateful for his pledge of support and determination to raise awareness of this debilitating neurological condition."
To help raise funds visit www.neurocare.org.uk, or contact 0114 267 6464.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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