In May 2017, whilst on the journey home from visiting his family, Dan suddenly lost his vision whilst driving on the motorway. Panicked, Dan blindly tried to get to safety, driving across lanes of traffic trying to stop his car. Extraordinarily, he managed to make it to the hard shoulder where he slowly regained his vision and thanked his lucky stars that he didn’t crash!

After regaining his sight, and coupled with the fact that he had been suffering with persistent migraines for months prior to this, Dan knew something was seriously wrong. He was taken straight to hospital where he received a brain scan. A 4-5cm tumour with a cyst the size of a clementine attached was discovered. Dan was then rushed to Kings College Hospital in London, to remove the tumour. It was this mass that was causing his headaches and loss of sight.

Dan’s family anxiously waited at the hospital whist he was operated on. The surgeon managed to remove the tumour but a massive blood clot had formed on his brain and this meant Dan had to endure more surgery. The front portion of his skull and a small section of his brain were removed, leaving him with the effects of a stroke. The incredible surgeons worked 20+ hours over three days as Dan had to endure three back to back operations to save his life. Dan lay in an induced coma for three days whilst his body recovered. During this time, his family were told the devastating news that the tumour was an incurable grade 3 brain tumour.

A month later, Dan had the agonising procedure of a titanium plate inserted to replace his missing skull. He recovered well from the surgery, with limited movement down the left side of his body he amazed staff and doctors with his strength, positivity and determination. He was allowed home in July and although tired, he was overjoyed at being back with his family.

However, just when things seemed to be going well, Dan was rushed back to hospital with a serious infection from the new skull plate. The plate had to be removed and the surgeon decided not to replace it until his radiotherapy is completed. After four weeks of antibiotics delivered through a PIC line and outstanding hospital care, Dan was finally well enough to go back home in time to take his son Cash to his first day of school.

Over the past five months there have been MANY touch and go moments for both Dan and his family, but almost wholly down to his pure strength, positivity, and a pinch of good old fashioned bullheadedness, Dan has made it through.

There is still a very LONG journey ahead. Dan now faces six weeks of Radiotherapy, followed by a year of Chemotherapy. Not only has this been a huge painful and emotional toll on all involved, but financially, this has been a very tough time with Dan not being able to do the job he loves, tattooing. We want to help Dan and his family by alleviating some of the financial burden whilst he continues this long journey ahead.. Please help us to help Dan and donate whatever you can; any support no matter how big or small will have a huge impact!

THANK YOU so much!

You can keep up to date with our progress on our Facebook Fundraising Page