You may well ask why I am trying to raise funds for Neurocare, well here's the short version of events and happenings that have made me do what I am about to do! It all started at Christmas 2008, when the hearing in my right ear decided to take leave. Several trips to the doctors occurred, which resulted in me receiving ear drops...then antibiotics and then finally a referral to the Chesterfield Royal Hospital. A hearing test ensued, with the results as follows Left ear 1 Right ear 0! Totally 100% deaf in my right ear. The ENT specialist decided it would be best to have an MRI scan, I obliged and went along for the scan. By this time I had become very un-orientated and was having sickness spells every other day. The scan results showed something untoward on the right side of my skull, close to my ear. A 40mm benign tumour and a similar size cyst, this came as a big shock to me and my 30-week plus pregnant wife! These were the things that only happened to other people and on the television! I was then referred to the Hallamshire Hospital, where I first came into contact with Neurocare. The specialist I went to see was Mr T Carroll, a very clear and precise picture was painted by him, he explained everything that had happened and was going to happen. He also explained that if the tumour was left I would probably only have 6 or 7 months before it would attach itself to my spinal cord and finish me off for good! (Well not his exact words!) He reassured my Wife and I and Sister Louise (who had come with us to the appointment) with the words that like me, being a joiner it was the same as him doing his job every day, only with smaller tools and without the wood! I was given the day the 12th of March for my operation. I was nervous but I had to look forward to finally having this life-threatening thing removed from my head!

The day arrived! I went in on the 11th of March, I remember feeling generally confident about my upcoming op, I was very positive about what the outcome would be. The operation lasted 12 hours! To the worry and concern of my wife and family! I had total confidence in Mr Carrol and Mr Yardley who were perfuming my op. I recovered pretty fast and was on my feet within 6 days of having the op, who could really think walking would be that, difficult! All the staff on both sides of the Neurocare wards were wonderful I couldn’t have asked for better treatment. I finally went home 10 days after my operation, still a little shaky but glad to be home, I discarded the crutches after just 2 days and recovered well over the few weeks that followed, the additional impending arrival of our first baby played a big part in motivating me on. 4 weeks after leaving hospital I was a proud daddy to my lovely little daughter Isobel Gracie.  As beautiful as she is loosing the hearing in my right ear came at an advantage with a screaming newborn baby!

While sat in those uncomfortable hospital beds I decided I must try and give something back to Neurocare, I saw how hard the staff and specialists worked and the amount of people in worse condition and similar condition to myself, young and old alike.

My wife Lindsay was at the time 35 weeks pregnant and I would like to thank her for being there along with my parents, Joyce and Peter and Sister Louise and Husband Lee (for whom I would like to donate my surgical stockings too!)

I hear you say if that’s the short version then I better avoid Phil!

The Edale 4 Peaks Challenge sponsored walk is taking place on Sunday 4 October 2009 and will be a demanding 12-mile walk. Wish me luck!

Thanks all the specialists and staff at Neurocare for giving me the chance to live life fuller!

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