A Note from Shelley & Why P.A.U.L?

I have known Martin since he was a small boy. We all moved into our new homes on Broadgates nearly 30 years ago when our children were small. He has always been a charming, lovely, intelligent young man & one of our Broadgate babes.

They all attended Walkington Primary School and the boys went to the Beverley Grammar School. We have spent many a good time together from Centre Parcs to New Years Eve celebrations, forming special friendships built to last.

I was truly devastated to hear that one of our lovely Broadgate babes had suffered such an ordeal with Chonk, when life should be so good. Although at the same time, so proud of Martin's courage & determination for himself and his young family.

My fabulous best friend of 52 years & I just want to dance with our friends & have fun celebrating turning the big 60.

We want your presence not presents, but we would ask if you could spare a few pounds to donate to Martin's Just Giving page, it would go to a fabulous local hero & charity. Maria & I would like to help Martin eliminate “Chonk” and help him achieve his charity goal. We feel it is the least we can do for such a brave determined guy - raising both money and awareness. P.A.U.L have supported Martin's physical recovery after his awake brain surgery, explained more in Martin's Story below.

We look forward to seeing you at our party dancing to some banging tunes. X

Martin's Story

My name is Spurge, a 33-year-old typical guy from the UK. On the afternoon of August 13th 2022, my 20-week pregnant wife and I were readying for an evening out when I had a seizure with no other warning signs. After a long night in Hospital, and a couple of scans the following day I was told I have a brain tumour, which I've called 'Chonk', I have been documenting my recovery journey on youtube and Instagram @KillingChonk.

Upon Further investigation and biopsy, it turned out Chonk is a grade 3 anaplastic (Fast growing & malignant) Oligodendroglioma. With good treatment outcomes, this gives me a roughly 30% chance of 20 more years but sadly it will eventually get me, with probable deterioration along the way.

At the end of September 22, I had an awake craniotomy where a large section of the tumour was removed, (roughly the size of a Mars bar) with a 4-night stay in Hull Royal infirmary Wards 4 and 40. During this time I could barely feed myself or go to the toilet unassisted.

Unfortunately, not all of the tumour could be removed before the motor function in my left hand and face started to fail. Thankfully daily physio work quickly corrected this, after a few more assessments, the physiotherapists decided I was safe to begin physical rehab building towards getting back to some sort of normal activity. Long and slow road to recovery planned, so hopefully in the not-too-distant future I can drive and work again and do normal new dad stuff.

With the support of P.A.U.L and their PT sessions, I have been able to care for our baby boy Isaac almost normally. Without their support, I would have been left unable to help with the parenting or have any hope of getting back to work normally any time soon.

Since the surgery, Isaac safely arrived 28th of November, the following week I started daily radiotherapy sessions through mid-January and then started PCV Chemotherapy in February. As I am writing this in mid-August I'm just starting cycle 4 of 6, having recently completed a fundraising fitness challenge at my usual CrossFit gym. I couldn't have hoped to do anything as physical as CrossFit again before the PT support provided by P.A.U.L.

Long way to go but I'm working hard to last long enough to see my boy grow up and do normal dad stuff with him.

Thank you for your support. Follow Martin's Journey @killingChonk

About P.A.U.L

P.A.U.L for Brain Recovery (Charity No. 1164620)

A local charity (Hull) that aids in bridging the gaps the NHS cannot provide for, focussed on people who've suffered an acquired brain injury. They've provided a Personal Trainer who helped build Martin's strength and fitness back to allow him to join in the parenting of his newborn son. They also provided useful information on diet planning for seizure prevention and crucial advice on how to cope with the sensory overload caused by his condition.