Worksop friends raise over £5,000 for brain cancer charity after pal’s terminal diagnosis

Kieren Marriott and Dalton Tomlinson braved the shave to show solidarity with pal James King - who lost all his hair following treatment for a grade 4 brain tumour.

James, 20, was given the shattering news that he had a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in September and was sadly on his own when medics told him - due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Devastatingly a GBM - the most aggressive type of cancer that begins within the brain - typically carries a life expectancy of 12-15 months.

James’ diagnosis came after he began suffering from headaches and pressure behind his eyes.

Girlfriend Millie Colbear booked James an eye test after he had to pull over and be sick while driving - which revealed an abnormality at the back of his eyes.

The deadly cancer was later revealed during a CT scan at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI).

James underwent surgery to debulk the tumour at Hallamshire Royal Hospital in Sheffield.

The operation went well but two days later he suffered a bleed on the brain which left him paralysed down the right side of his body.

He had to have a second, emergency brain surgery to fix the bleed and he has since regained sensation and movement on his right side.

Sam Colbear, 27, - James’ girlfriend Millie’s brother - also sheared off his locks.

He said: “I’ve only known James for a year or so but I feel like I’ve known him forever and when we heard about his brain tumour diagnosis we were absolutely gutted.

“He’s a great lad and doesn’t deserve to be going through this.”

Sam told how one of the ‘cruellest’ parts of the diagnosis was that ‘car-mad’ James could no longer drive.

But he added: “James has been so strong, bouncing back after both surgeries and breezing through his treatment so far.

“Of course, he feels down at times, especially when he is on his own but he’s determined that he will fight this and defy the odds.”

James’ friends have already raised £5,300 for brain cancer research - you can make a donation at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Kieren-Marriott.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.