A TIDWORTH soldier who was diagnosed with a brain tumour while serving on the frontline is now battling to help find a cure for the disease.

Sergeant Steve Blake was working in RAF Holton as an army photographer when he started experiencing severe headaches.

He was initially diagnosed with a sinus infection and given antibiotics and decongestants. But 18 months a tumour was found during an MRI scan.

Steve’s tumour was a meningioma, the same type his mother Joan had been diagnosed with three years earlier.

He underwent surgery and radiotherapy. Both Steve and his mum are doing well.

Steve, who works as an army press officer based in Tidworth, said: “Having been off sick for a few months, I’m really glad to be back working. The army eased me back in gently and it was a great feeling to be back full-time and in the uniform that I had worn for nearly 20 years. Sitting around for months had an effect on my physical fitness and I’m working hard to get back to good health."

The 36-year-old will be taking part in Portsmouth’s inaugural Walk of Hope on Saturday, September 29, which is organised by the Brain Tumour Research charity.

He added: “I’m extremely motivated to raise awareness and funds for research into brain tumours, after both me and my mum went through the devastating process of being diagnosed. I hope to help other families going through a similar situation and the Walk of Hope will be a fantastic way to fundraise for this vital cause.”

Tim Green, the senior community fundraising manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We are very grateful to Steve for supporting Brain Tumour Research. His story reminds us that brain tumours are indiscriminate and they can affect anyone at any age. What’s more, they kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.”

He added: “The money raised on the day will go towards research into the causes of brain tumours, improving outcomes for patients and, ultimately, finding a cure.”

To find out more go to braintumourresearch.org