Tom Ward

Thomas has been an inspiration since he was a toddler. At 3 years old Thomas' brother James was born with severe neurological problems. James suffered from craniosynostosis and needed an urgent removal of part of his skull before 6 months old. Thomas was left with not knowing if his brother would survive the operation. Thomas had to be left with family members and close friends whilst his father and myself travelled frequently to Oxford for check ups and procedures. He endured this with a maturity beyond his years and complete understanding and selflessness. Many nights Tom asked if he was going to lose his brother as each check up posed further problems. We never shielded Tom from the truth.

5 years ago just as James was receiving positive news from his check ups I discovered a lump in my neck.The GP sent me to hospital and I was told it was Lymphoma.Yet again we told the boys what was happening and why mummy was too tired to play with them. Tom dealt with this admirably and much better than I did. After 6 months of hospital visits, biopsies and removal of tumour we were told that it was benign. Tom still worried and asked lots of questions about whether I was going to die.In 13 years he has been through so much, yet always has a smile and loving hug.He is now developing into a caring, mature young man.His past challenges have made him the young man he is, one who is admired by his peers and family so greatly, he unsurprisingly wants to pursue a career in medicine.