Jonny Kelly was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumour just a year ago.

Within days, medics discovered a tumour the size of a £2 coin, embedded in the middle of his brain. 

His family thought it was “the end of the world” for them.

Fortunately Jonny’s tumour - diagnosed last May - is a slow-growing, non-aggressive kind called Tectal Plate Glioma.

But because of its rooted position, the tumour - which has already caused a squint to one eye - is inoperable.

But in the 10 months since diagnosis, it has not developed further.

Jonny underwent immediate surgery to release the build-up of fluid on his brain which was a side effect of the tumour.

It was so pressurised it left indentations on his skull.

He then started an 18-month stint of chemotherapy which he is now in the third phase of, ending in November.

As a result, the Billingham South Primary School pupil has shed and regained a stone in weight and his hair has fallen out and regrown.

As part of his treatment Jonny, who has several allergies, has to have blood transfusions and came out in hives once after having an allergic reaction.

 “He knows there’s a lump and it’s cancerous and he has to have all this treatment and magic medicine.

“He does deal with it really, really well on a whole but sometimes asks questions out of the blue.

“We have lots of conversations about heaven and we just reassure him everything is good,” she said.

The family has been told there’s a 50% chance the chemotherapy will halt the tumour in its tracks and Jonny could live a normal life with it under supervision.

 “But we don’t know how he will react to medication.”

If the tumour does spread it could result in loss of movement to arms and legs, as well as further complications.

The family has also heard about Dendritic Cell Therapy, a treatment offered in Germany that tragic 12-year-old Tom Gardiner had been hoping to undergo.

But as reported, the youngster, from Acklam, Middlesbrough, sadly lost his battle with a brain tumour in December.

The Kelly family has started fundraising in case Jonny needs the treatment, which uses the body’s own immune system to fight the tumour.

This hike is working towards the target of £20,000 for Dendritic Cell Therapy.

Jonny’s parents said any money not needed  will go back towards helping other sick children.

 

This planned hike up Kilimanjaro will take me approximately 8 days starting on the 6th September 2012, with an average walking day of six hours. The last day of walking is up to 14 hours, reaching a total height of 5,895 meters which is the highest point in Africa and the highest freestanding mountain in the world.

The above is self funded and no monies raised will be used towards expenses in any shape or form.

What you give is what Jonny gets!

 

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