Sheffield brain tumour teen offers help and support to other cancer sufferers

Matthew White, who is now 20, was diagnosed with two Germinoma brain tumours in April 2017, when he was just 17-years-old.

He went from being a normal teenager going to college to being rushed into surgery to drain fluid from around my brain to save his life.

In June that year he began five weeks of radiotherapy to his brain and spine.

He explained: “I actually enjoyed my radiotherapy sessions as it was the only point in the day when I could just lay down and rest.

“I had several major surgeries such as: a biopsy, a vp shunt being fitted, a shunt revision. Although the surgeries weren’t the best experiences of my life I had my trusty toy monkey, called Charlie, with me every step of the way.

“It seems the doctors and nurses loved him as much as I do because whenever Icame round from a surgery he always had some bandages on him or a sling!”

He continued: “The radiotherapy left me more exhausted than ever and being stuck in hospital didn’t help.“I quickly realised the effect cancer has on your social life, I lost all of my friends apart from one.“This was the first time I felt truly isolated, my fatigue left me practically bed ridden and I never saw another person my age for months. I knew at this moment that I wanted to do something about the isolation faced by young cancer patients but I didn’t have the energy at the time.”

And now Matthew is well he has finally put his idea into action and has set up an online social group called EnergyOut.

The group is open to anyone aged between 18 and 38 who has ever had a cancerdiagnosis .

Matthew said: “We have lots of activities every month including gamenights, movie nights, social events, quizzes, board game events and we’re even looking at planning a talent show.”!In-between all the activities that are happening you can join the forum and socialise with all the other members. Visit the website energyout.co.uk and if you fit the requirements to join then you can find the forum at: energyout.mn.co

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