A man from Warwickshire who received a rare cancer diagnosis, has completed a 120 mile walking challenge to fundraise for research into the condition.
at St Paul's Eye Unit
42-year-old, James Neal, was diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer in 2021, following a routine eye appointment and a number of hospital visits.
Since his diagnosis, James has been under the expert care of the Ocular Oncology Team at St Paul’s Eye Unit, located in the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, part of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT).
Ocular Melanoma affects around five in every one million people, but thankfully James was able to undergo specialist treatment in his right eye soon after receiving his diagnosis. The quick work from the team at St Paul’s has meant that James’ tumour has shown no signs of growth in over three years.
In a bid to fundraise to aid further research into his condition, James walked from his home in Warwickshire to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. He said: “Since recovering from my radiotherapy, I’ve channelled all of my energy into losing weight and I’m proud to say that I’m 20 stone down. My fitness journey spurred me on to tackle this four-day walking challenge and raise awareness of Ocular Melanoma.
“I had originally set out to raise £500 for the Eye Tumour Research Fund via Liverpool University Hospitals Charity. I’m over the moon that my story has since gained so much support that I have been able to raise over £3000, but I’m hoping to raise even more.”
As a thank you for his outstanding fundraising feat, staff from St Paul’s Ocular Oncology Team that were involved in James’ care were there to welcome him at the finish line at the entrance to the hospital. James was greeted by applause and confetti canons on his arrival, before heading to his appointment.
Professor Heinrich Heimann, Director of Ocular Oncology at St Paul’s Eye Unit, said: “Around half of the people diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma will go on to develop tumours in other organs, sadly for those whose tumours spread there is currently no cure. In James’ case, we were fortunate that we were able to treat him quickly and we’re delighted that we haven’t seen any signs of growth in his tumour.
“The money that James has fundraised will ensure that we can conduct further research into eye tumour conditions, to advance treatment and we are extremely grateful for all his efforts.”