My name is Jonathan. I am now 18 and was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma brain tumour in July last year.  The tumour showed itself by changing my personality and making me a very aggressive and angry person, this in itself has caused me many set backs in  life as I`ve been expelled from several schools, but of course at the time every one thought I was naughty, on reflection it was of course the early signs of the tumour. 
 
Despite many visits to psychologists, and various diagnosies of ADHD etc, the
tumour was not picked up.  It was only two weeks before I would have died that I showed outward signs of headaches and nausia.  Again, doctors and hospitals
did not pick up the tumour but diagnosed me with a virus.  
 
After my mothers persistance I saw a consultant who immediately saw the
pressure behind my eyes. Within the hour  I received an MRI scan
which confirmed that I had a tumour the size of a tennis ball and if it was not
removed immediately, I would die.  Mr Shad the surgeon at Coventry University
Hospital operated and managed to remove 95% of the tumour.  Unfortunately it was a grade 3 cancerous tumour and therefore I have had to receive a course of
radiotherapy and chemotherapy.  That has reduced the remaining tumour enormously and everything is looking much better.  I will remain on the Chemotherapy for the rest of my life, this will ensure that the tumour cannot regrow. 
 
Without Mr Shad, and Professor Brown and Ian Edwards (the onchology team) I
would not be here today.The radiotherapy team and nurses have been excellent. I would also like to thank all the family, especially my mom and dad for being there whenever I have needed them. Also all my friends that have looked after me. I am definitely one of the success stories and we are forever grateful for that.  It is now my turn to give something back. 
 
I would be really grateful if you would support me in trying to give something
back to cancer research without them I would not be here today.