James wanted to be a professional boxer and went to the gym from age five. But one morning, his life changed completely.

James woke up and couldn't move his lower body. His father said he 'fell to the floor like jelly'. James was diagnosed with a 18cm benign tumor in his spinal cord.

James' father said his son had scoliosis, a condition where the spine twists. James' symptoms got worse, and he lost balance and control of his bladder and bowel.

James started going to the gym at five years old.

After being diagnosed with the tumor in 2021, James had many surgeries and chemotherapy. But doctors can't remove the tumor because it's connected to his spinal cord.

James' father said his son had to stop boxing because of the tumor. James had been boxing twice a week since he was five but lost his balance and footwork.

James is in rehabilitation and will restart chemotherapy. A GoFundMe page was set up to raise £4,500 for an electric wheelchair.

James' father supported his son's boxing dreams.

James' father said his son woke up numb in March 2021. He was shocked and took James to the hospital, where they found a spinal cord tumor.

James' father said it was 'horrendous' and they didn't know what was happening. But then they understood the symptoms were due to the tumor compressing the spinal cord.

Scans showed James had a tumor half the length of his spine. The non-cancerous tumor had hemorrhaged and compressed his spinal cord, causing him to lose feeling in his legs.

James had to undergo difficult surgery.

James' father said his son had decompression treatment and regained leg function. But he had to stop chemotherapy in May 2022 due to losing feeling in his legs again.

James restarted chemotherapy and finished it in May 2023. The tumor is half the length of James' spinal cord.

James had to give up his dream of being a professional boxer due to the tumor. His father said James wanted to be a boxer.

James was in the boxing gym twice a week since age five. But he lost his balance and footwork due to the tumor. He found a new hobby in fishing.

James spent a lot of time in the hospital.

In 2025, James had four surgeries due to losing leg function. His father said each surgery relieved symptoms but only for a few weeks.

James' father said his son was declining and had an operation four weeks ago. James is in rehabilitation and has no leg function.

James is in rehabilitation and will restart chemotherapy. His father said they are starting an intensive rehabilitation program.

James remains brave despite his challenges.

James will continue chemotherapy after rehabilitation. The tumor can't be removed due to its location.

James' father said the tumor is an 'absolute nightmare'. Doctors can't see the spinal cord due to the tumor.

A GoFundMe page was set up to raise £4,500 for an electric wheelchair. Over £4,500 has been raised.

James' father said the GoFundMe was started by someone from the fishing community. He is grateful for the donations.

James will keep fighting.

To donate to James' fundraiser, visit the GoFundMe page.

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine twists. Signs include a curved spine and uneven shoulders.

Scoliosis treatment depends on age and severity. Treatments include a plastic brace, painkillers, and surgery.