I was first diagnosed with an astrocytoma brain tumour in 2002 when I was 6 years old.

Because of the dangerous position of the tumour, the doctors could not remove it but they did operate to relieve the pressure of fluid in my head, a condition known as hydrocephalus. They hoped that monitoring the tumour would be sufficient, and that I would not need any more treatment.

When I was 11, however, the tumour started growing. It was at this time a crucial decision had to be made. At 11 years old I was still too young to understand the enormity of the situation and the massive repercussions this could have for me….