A date for me that will live in infamy is 18 September 1991. It is on this date that I was rushed down to my local hospital, having just suffered a grand mal seizure during the night.

At the time, I did not realise that this would have as big an impact on my life as it has done.

I have had five neuro surgeries, countless visits to hospital and a lengthy time off work. But I am still living and breathing - the most important thing. In my time, I have taken several drugs - from paracetemol to morphine. I have had my blood tested many times, have had radiotherapy, chemotherapy and am in the 'market' for more treatment as I write this to you. I have had a lot of time off work. However, I have not lost any of my faculties due to my brain tumour.

The biggest help to me in these times have been my parents. They have continually supported me, and have helped to reduce my stress levels massively.

I also have a large family and strong group of friends. These people have all been a great help to me during my times of recovery.

I now am proud to say that I also have several friends in the medical profession. Without these people, I would be dead right now. However, I have a very positive attitude and do not believe that this tumour will kill me. In this way, some people may consider me naïve. I do not believe this, though and believe my state of mind is the major contributor to my survival of this thing.

I am a chartered accountant. I did the vast majority of my training whilst having my brain tumour. I currently donate to the Brain Research Trust through payroll giving.

I enjoy travelling. During my brain tumour time, I have been to the USA, Canada, Eastern Europe, Middle East, India and Western Europe. I really enjoy travelling. It has made me feel privileged to be in the position that I am in.

I also enjoy reading, although I am finding it hard to read anything but the newspapers now.

I have also played football and done mountain biking after my illnesses. I enjoyed going to the gym in my healthier days, and aim to do so again once I am better.

I have just had another excision of my tumour. Like all my surgeries, this was done at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. I have been under the care of Professor David Thomas, Dr. Mark Gaze, Dr. Jeremy Rees, Dr. Joan Grieve, Dr. Susan Short, Dr. Brada, Dr. Andrew Lees, Dr. Sarah MacPherson and Dr. Nicholas Godlee and all the members of their teams. These people, as I have said previously are really my heroes. I will be forever indebted to them all, as well as those caring people at the hospital where I have been being treated.

I like to think that despite everything that I have gone through; I am still an intelligent, witty person. I am still told this by others. I am a little upset that this had to happen to me….after all, I did my A levels, graduated and went on to be a chartered accountant. However, I always put what has happened to me in perspective by some of the other things that I have seen and hear on the news. These are much worse than what has been happening to me. Life is too short to suffer unhappiness or other things which I have control over. After all, I am still alive!

I am waiting to hear whether I will need any more treatment. As Dr. Rees and Dr. Short have just told me, I may need further chemotherapy, further radiotherapy or more surgery - in that order. I will have to wait and see, I guess. But, I am positive about whatever I will have to do.

The important thing as far as I am concerned is that we need more funds to research brain tumours. It is from this research that I am positive a cure for these things will eventually come. So, please can you all support organisations like the Brain Research Trust. If you need any help on how to give tax efficiently - just contact me, and I will be pleased to help you.

Thanks very much for reading this.

Tony Carvalho
Brain Tumour Patient for 15 years

Sadly, Anthony was not able to continue to fight against his brain tumour. He died on 7 November 2006.