A brain tumour patient has raised nearly £9,500 for Our Hospitals Charity by taking part in the Great North Run.
Nunthorpe resident, Chris Neal, 39, was originally diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma benign brain tumour in spring 2023. Astrocytoma is a primary brain tumour which are formed in the brain, instead of spreading there.
Chris said: “I was working in the Rotterdam office at the time, so they transferred me to Saint Franciscus hospital in the city.
“It was a scary time as I didn’t really know what was going on. I thought I may possibly be having a stroke at the time.”
Franciscus hospital undertook various tests and an MRI scan where they originally identified a brain tumour. They offered Chris surgery in Holland but all he wanted to do was return home. That’s when they referred him to The James Cook University Hospital.
Describing when he was first told, Chris explained:
“You can't really take it all in at first, one day you’re walking round thinking you are fit and healthy and the next you are being told that you need brain surgery in the coming weeks.”
Consultant neurosurgeon, Anil Varma, performed Chris’s first awake craniotomy surgery – a type of procedure performed on the brain while you are awake and alert. He was successful at removing part of the tumour in June 2023.
When Chris was discharged from James Cook after his first surgery, he felt well enough to return to work in August 2023.
As a strong and athletic man, Chris enjoyed running, cycling and keeping himself fit. He explained “I used to live in Saudi Arabia and enjoyed running so I ran a couple of half marathons at that time.”
As a way of thanking the intensive care unit, neurosurgical unit and ward 24 teams who treated and looked after him so well, in September 2023 he decided he would sign up for the Great North Run 2024. The objective to raise money for Our Hospitals Charity, the fundraising arm of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Brain tumour patients receive regular scans and tests to monitor the tumour and decide on the best course of treatment. Tragically an MRI scan in early 2024 identified the tumour had progressed.
Chris underwent a second awake craniotomy in June 2024, heartbreakingly Chris was informed the growth had developed onto a Grade 4 GBM (Glioblastoma), which is the most aggressive high-grade malignant tumour.
“It was a shock at first to be told it had developed into a GBM, but the way the hospital care team handled this awful subject, especially my neuro-oncology specialist nurse Sue, was brilliant. The support I have received from family and friends has been amazing too and I'm just taking it one step at a time and trying to maintain a positive attitude.”
Chris explained: “Because I was told I needed further treatment, it stopped my training plans for the GNR so we thought my wife, Sarah Neal, might have to step in for me.”
Sarah works as a radiographer in the catheter labs at James Cook. Together they have two children, a ten-year-old daughter, Ava, and eight-year-old son, Lucas.
Chris stated: “I had to put training on hold as I had to undergo a course of radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy, which was in tablet form, for three months in the summer of 2024.
Determined as ever, Chris and Sarah decided to honour the Great North Run on Sunday 8 September 2024. Chris said: “Even if I had to walk or crawl part of the way round, I was determined to take part of finish the course for such a worthy cause.
“I actually felt good on the day, so was well enough to run most of the course. There was an amazing atmosphere. I got an extra boost of energy from the crowd who was cheering everyone on. I knew my family were waiting for me at the end, so that was the determination I needed to get me to the finish line.
“My parents, family, friends have been a fantastic support! My dad and step mam helped raise money by holding a coffee morning in their own home.
“I’m proud to say I have had the best treatment at James Cook. All the staff have been very supportive. They’ve been kind, patient and sensitive to not only my needs, but those of my family.”
Our Hospitals Charity manager Lisa Meehan stated: “Chris and his family raised a fantastic amount of money. His original target was £500, but he has now raised nearly £9,500 which is a massive achievement!
“We sincerely thank him for his effort and dedication. It will make a massive difference to so many people.”
Chris’s diagnosis means he is unable to undertake his usual daily work and homelife routines but keeps positive by going for daily walks and keeping busy at home or with family and friends which helps to keep his mind positive and focused on the day-to-day routine of living with a brain tumour. He added:
“I’d like to sincerely thank everyone for all their kindness and donations.”
Support Chris’s fundraising
Individuals interested in supporting Chris’s fund raising can visit the official JustGiving page to make a donation.