WHEN David Fortune found out he had an “inoperable” brain tumour he was determined to beat it for the sake of his parents.

David, who lives with mum and dad Ann-Marie and David Snr at Park Avenue, Saltney, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in January 2009, when he was just 19 and is now celebrating the 12-month anniversary of the cancer going into remission.

David, 21, said: “When I was going through chemotherapy last year it was a difficult time, not just for me but for my mum and dad as well.

“I made sure I stayed strong through it. Somebody else might not have been able to do that.

“One of the main reasons I fought so hard was for my parents. They were initially told by medics my tumour was inoperable, but it was and has gone now.

“I’m lucky in that respect.”

After falling ill, David had spells at the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Walton Neurological Centre before spending much of 2009 enduring chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Clatterbridge Hospital.

Despite beating the disease the former pupil of St David’s High School, Saltney, is still battling the side effects, which include limited walking, little energy, sickness and double vision.

“The main thing is I’m still here, even if I still have some side effects,” he added.

Following the diagnosis David had to put his dream job as a hair stylist at the Franceso Group in Bridge Street, Chester, on hold but things are now looking up as he hopes to return to work soon.

He said: “I can do a lot more now and am looking to going back for retraining soon. I love hairdressing and I’d only qualified the April before I fell ill.”

To celebrate the one year anniversary of his cancer going into remission, David has organised a fundraising event at the Anchor Hotel, Saltney, tomorrow.

The event will support the Clatterbridge Cancer Appeal as he repays the vital help given to him by the hospital.

He said: “I am keen to thank Clatterbridge and I wanted a party to celebrate a year in remission.

“We had a fundraising raffle before and made about £650 and perhaps this can become an annual event.”

The funday starts at 2pm and will include an auction of promises, a tug of war, fancy dress, a raffle, a free buffet and a horseshoe throwing competition.

Anchor landlord Martin Lewis said: “We are looking to raise as much money as possible and are grateful to local businesses for pledging some excellent prizes.

“We are all very pleased there has been progress with David’s health.”

For more details call Martin on 01244 630844.