Sheffield brain tumour survivor set to climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Jonny Stamford, aged 25, was diagnosed with a tumour in 201 and underwent a 13-and-a-half hour operation after the tumour began bulging towards his brain stem.

The tumour returned six months later, with Jonny needing to undergo a repeat operation.

He was left with a left-sided facial weakness and contracted bacterial meningitis, needing to go under the knife again in a bid to save his life.

Jonny, who works for East Midlands Ambulance Service, said of his trek in Tanzania: “I have volunteered with several charities over the years, and since my diagnosis I have always hoped to get involved with a charity who works directly in the fight against brain tumours.

“After much research I discovered the excellent work that The Brain Tumour Charity do, and also the extent of the problem which they are leading the fight against.

“It was when recovering from the latest nerve graft surgery that I decided I would set a challenge to raise vital funds and awareness for the cause.

Jonny, who is completing the challenge with his best friend, Joel Rishworth, is due to sets off for Tanzania on February 19.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa with the summit 5,895m above sea level.

It is expected to take Jonny and Joel six days to reach its summit and then descend.

Earlier this week it was revealed that Sheffield widow Betty Alsop, formerly of Rochester Drive, Lodge Moor, left £854,273 to Sheffield Children’s Hospital in her will, which has helped pay for a state-of-the-art scanner to help in the fight against brain tumours.

The £2.3 million machine is linked to an operating theatre, allowing surgeons to check that entire tumours have been removed - increasing the survival rate to 80 per cent, compared to 30 per cent if any parts are left behind.

The device, the only one in the north of England, has been used to save the lives of four children since it was installed six weeks ago.

To sponsor Jonny visit www.justgiving.com/jonny-stamford/