Two-hour cycle by 8-year-old will raise money for NHS as thanks for brain surgery care

Eight-year-old Shay Glenton will cycle for two hours straight on Friday, May 14, to raise money for University Hospital Southampton - a huge challenge for him which would have never seemed possible a few years ago.

Shay, from Lee-on-the-Solent, began having seizures at 18 months old before being diagnosed with cortical dysplasia and epilepsy, leading to major brain surgery in July 2018 to remove his left temporal lobe.

Mum Gemma said Shay started to recover well despite warnings about possible effects of the procedure, before more sad news came to light.

‘At his six week post-op appointment with the surgeon we were met in the waiting room with a nurse handing us a cancer research leaflet and a permission slip for Shay's biopsy to be used and stored in Newcastle for further testing to help cancer research,’ said Gemma.

Baffled by this request, Gemma and husband Ben were then told by the surgeon that surgery discovered a brain tumour - which had been removed, but would mean hospital visits would continue throughout Shay’s life.

The family recently heard the most recent MRI showed very little change so they can have a break from frequent scans and testing.

Shay and his family want to give a massive thanks to the NHS, particularly to Southampton staff who have cared for the Crofton Hammond Junior School pupil.

‘When Shay suggested he'd like to cycle for two hours I did think it would be hard for him as he has never gone far or for long before without complaining he's tired, but I'm sure he will finish it,’ said Gemma.

‘We are truly thankful for all the help and support that the staff gave us and this is Shay's little way to say thank you.

‘He wasn't allowed to cycle for a year after surgery so when he got on his bike again he was a bit wobbly but he always loved cycling and he is looking forward to his little challenge.’

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/shay-glenton3 or to learn more about Shay’s journey visit facebook.com/pg/Shaysbattle.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on portsmouth.co.uk. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to portsmouth.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit our Subscription page now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.