UPDATE-

Ryan lost his battle with metastatic malignant melanoma on the 16th December 2021. We are incredibly proud of his bravery throughout and how, even during his most difficult days, his focus was to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK. We, his parents, are devastated following his passing however we will endeavour to carry on raising as much money as possible for further research as part of Ryan's legacy. This page will stay open indefinitely so that any monies raised from future fundraising events will carry on being sent to Cancer Reseach UK on a regular basis.

UPDATE-

Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone for their donations so far. I have unfortunately had more tests and the results have shown the cancer has returned. I have further lesions on my brain and have tumours on my lower spine that mean I have now lost all mobilty. Tumours have also been found in one of my lungs and two have been found in my liver. A wheelchair is needed and I am currently receiving full time care from family. My vision has also been affected due to the lesions on the brain causing pressure on my cerebellum, making me need an eye patch. Surgery isn't an option therefore the plan has been to undergo an intense course of radiotherapy, which has just finished, followed by immunotherapy. This is the only option available. The radiotherapy caused a flare and I have been pretty poorly and have been in hospital since Sunday. The worry was I would be too unwell to undergo the immunotherapy, which was obviously upsetting as this is my last option however I am now well enough so should treatment on Friday. The immunotherapy is not guaranteed to work and the side effects can be quite serious but if the treatment does work it means they can get the cancer under control. I have to be positive about the treatment and focus on getting to a point where the cancer will not progress further

Dad even gave movember a shot👍

ORIGINAL-

On the 8th August, I was diagnosed with a brain tumour after suffering from a headache and some neck discomfort for a couple of weeks before. This diagnosis was totally unexpected and, as a 24 year old, it was the furthest thing from my mind. Things moved pretty swiftly following the diagnosis and I was admitted to the Neuro-oncology ward at the RVI for them to decide the best treatment. At this stage it was unknown whether the tumour was benign.

I had the most fantastic care whilst at the RVI and my consultant was able to remove the tumour without any negative impact on my brain, which was always a possibility.

The test results following the surgery were not good. I was diagnosed with a rare type of metastatic cancer - a melanoma had developed from a benign mole I had removed when I was 10 years old. As this was a secondary cancer, the initial outlook was not good.

As this cancer is so rare, testing was key and the Dermatology, Histology, Radiotherapy and Neuro-oncology teams involved sought advice from a London-based hospital for further help. A number of meetings and discussions took place to decide the best course of action, the plan was to receive specialised intense radiotherapy - stereotactic radiotherapy surgery. The Radiotherapy team at the Freeman hospital were again fantastic and, although the treatment was difficult and painful, I received the best support and care throughout.

The outcome so far is positive, it has been confirmed I am currently cancer-free - in remission. I still have appointments with the Dermatology team to attend and I will require regular scans for surveillance. However, without the work of all the teams involved at the RVI and Freeman hospitals, I wouldn't be here today.

My family and I will be forever grateful for this support and treatment therefore I would like to give something back. As so many teams and charities have been involved in my care, it would be difficult to share out any donations received fairly therefore I have made the decision to donate all monies received to Cancer Research UK. Without the money raised for the work this charity undertakes, I may never have received the treatment and care that was available.

If you would like to donate to Cancer Research UK during the period of 'Movember' please follow/click on this link.