Pedal power thank-you after tumour battle
AWOMAN who beat a brain tumour the size of a tennis ball is taking on a 13-mile cycling course to raise money for the hospital that treated her.
Jess James, 50, who lives in Bollington, had no idea she had the big tumour in her frontal lobe.
It was only after she suffered a seizure last August, that doctors scanned her brain and discovered it.
The mother-of-one said she did not show any physical symptoms but felt the tumour mentally. But at the time, she put this down to other causes.
She said: “I felt tired and I was getting very down. I couldn’t concentrate and I couldn’t get motivated to do things.
“I thought it maybe was the menopause or getting older – you don’t really consider these things.”
Jess had surgery at Salford Royal, where doctors opened her skull and removed most of the tumour, which was found to be low grade.
In January, she then went to The Christie Hospital in Manchester, which specialises in cancer treatment, and received radiotherapy for six weeks.
She said: “I feel a lot better now, my thinking is much clearer. I feel like I have a lot more motivation.”
Only a few months after she overcame her illness, Jess, who goes for regular check ups, is now set to ride in the 13-mile Great Manchester Cycle to raise money for The Christie.
She wants to thank the staff for their care and also support other patients.
She said: “The nurses and doctors were fantastic, absolutely fantastic, while I was having the radiotherapy.
“It’s a very good hospital and they need more help to treat these diseases.
“That’s really why I’m doing this, I just want to give something back.”
Jess, who is a Manchester City supporter, is looking forward to take on the course, which starts and ends at the Etihad Stadium.
She said: “It’ll be a good day out and it’ll be nice to meet other people doing it. I’ll be ready.
“I started cycling the last few weeks, trying to get a bit of training.
“Exercise is good to recover, as long as your body tells you it’s OK. I feel fine with it – obviously I wear a helmet.”
Jess often cycles on the Middlewood Way with her friend Jane Houghton, who will also ride with her on the day.
The Great Manchester Cycle is a cycling event for riders of all abilities, which will take place on June 28.
Anyone looking to support Jess with her fundraising can make a donation at www.justgiving. com/jess-james44.