James ‘determined not to waste second chance’
JAMES Adams was diagnosed with a rare cancerous brain tumour at 18, but has since set up three charities and is studying to be a doctor.
James, 25, has also run the London Marathon and raised £12,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust.
Now his mother, Dawn, has nominated him for an Adult Achiever of the Year award.
Dawn said: “James was diagnosed with a rare cancerous brain tumour aged 18.
“But while he was having a scan to see if the cancer had spread he said he was determined to live a life – if he survived – that meant something.
“During treatment, James decided to become a doctor and studied for two extra A levels and got A* grades despite his hair falling out and feeling sick and nauseous during the exams.
“Six months after a clear brain scan, James ran the London Marathon and raised £12,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust.”
In the last seven years, James has set up three successful charities.
Pregnancy Twinning ensures mothers in the third world receive good antenatal care and can deliver safely in a hospital. This project is now run by Tear Fund.
Cats (Cancer Awareness in Teenagers and Young People Society) raises awareness of the signs of common teenage cancers and is in seven UK Universities after James secured a £200,000 bid from the Lottery Fund. The charity now employs two full-time workers.
And Number 11 is a charity that helps people in difficulty get their lives back on track and employs two full time workers as well as having numerous volunteers.
James again secured a bid for funding to renovate the premises.
As well as all this James is in his final year of studying to become a doctor.
He also did a Masters Research Degree while studying medicine and running his charities and came in the top five per cent of his academic year.
“James is exceptional and cares for others with a passion, with a drive and determination I have never seen before,” said Dawn.
“He has been given a second chance at life and is determined not to waste it.”