16 June 2023 , 07:46
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A student who suddenly developed hearing problems in the middle of studies was shocked when he was diagnosed with brain cancer.
Ned Hilton, 24, had been studying for a language degree at the University of Birmingham when he started having issues with his hearing.
During his second year in 2018, he was diagnosed with a grade 4 medulloblastoma tumour.
A year later he underwent 22 hours of surgery followed by intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment.
He has since managed to defy the odds and managed to return to his studies, handing in the final assignment of his degree last week.
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He also recently jumped from 10,000ft to raise £1,900 for Brain Tumour Research.
Ned before his cancer diagnosis (Ned Hilton/Brain Tumour Research)
Pictures in April 2019 following surgery (Ned Hilton/Brain Tumour Research)Ned, from Huddersfield, told Yorkshire Live: “The feeling of finishing uni has been incredible, with the support of family and friends, I have overcome so much and I feel proud of myself.
“At first I was intrigued and carried on enjoying being a student but as I found out more about what a high-grade tumour meant my concern grew and everything became more real.
"To top it off with a skydive to raise money for a cause which means so much to me, after everything I have been through, was brilliant."
Ned is now living with limited side effects of the cancer diagnosis, but has a new lease on life and plans to travel the world.
He added: "Anyone could get ill at any point. I feel fortunate that my outcome has been positive, I know that not everyone has the same experience."
Ned after completing his skydive for Brain Tumour Research (Ned Hilton/Brain Tumour Research)Mel Tiley, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: "We’re thrilled to hear of Ned’s fantastic double achievement after facing a brain cancer diagnosis.
"Sadly his story is not unique, with one in three people knowing someone affected by a brain tumour.
“They kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002.
"We’re determined to change this but it’s only by working together we will be able to improve treatment options for patients and, ultimately, find cure.
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“We’re really grateful to Ned and his wonderful support network for fundraising for the charity and wish Ned well as he finds his feet after university."