James Neal smilingA man from Warwickshire who received a rare cancer diagnosis, has completed a 120-mile walking challenge to fundraise for research into the condition. 42-year-old, James Neal, was diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer in 2021, following a routine eye appointment and a number of hospital visits.

Ocular Melanoma affects around five in a million people, but thankfully James was able to undergo specialist treatment in his right eye soon after receiving his diagnosis. The quick work from the team at St Paul’s has meant that James’ tumour has shown no signs of growth in over three years.

In a bid to fundraise to aid further research into his condition, James walked from his home in Warwickshire to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. James said: “Since recovering from my radiotherapy, I’ve channelled all of my energy into losing weight and I’m proud to say that I’m 20 stone down. My fitness journey spurred me on to tackle this four-day walking challenge and raise awareness of Ocular Melanoma.

“I had originally set out to raise £500 for the Eye Tumour Research Fund via Liverpool University Hospitals Charity. I’m over the moon that my story has since gained so much support that I have been able to raise over £3000, but I’m hoping to raise even more.”

Professor Heinrich Heimann, Director of Ocular Oncology at St Paul’s Eye Unit, said: “Around half of the people diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma will go on to develop tumours in other organs, sadly for those whose tumours spread there is currently no cure. In James’ case, we were fortunate that we were able to treat him quickly and we’re delighted that we haven’t seen any signs of growth in his tumour.

“The money that James has raised will ensure that we can conduct further research into eye tumour conditions, to advance treatment and we are extremely grateful for all his efforts.”