A care worker has told how he grew an astonishing 18 inches - after having a brain tumour removed when he was a teenager.<br /><br />Jamie Connolly just thought he was 'small for his age' when he stood 4ft 1inch tall at the age of 16.<br /><br />However an MRI scan taken after he suffered a seizure while playing a video game revealed he had a tumour in part of his brain responsible for growth.<br /><br />After repeated surgery to remove the low-grade astrocytoma, a slow growing tumour, Jamie's height shot up to 5ft 7 inches tall.<br /><br />Now, aged 35, the mental health worker has spoken for the first time about his treatment to raise awareness about brain tumours. <br /><br />Jamie, of Rowley Regis, West Mids, said: "I was always little and even when at school I just put it down to being small for my age. <br /><br />"I never imagined it was because of a brain tumour.<br /><br />"I later found out the tumour was growing on a part of my brain responsible for important functions, including development and growth.<br /><br />"Despite multiple surgeries to remove the slow-growing tumour, it has left me with changes in my vision and as a result I have to wear glasses.<br /><br />"Part of the tumour is still there as removing it all could have left me with paralysis."<br /><br />Jamie is now monitored with regular scans and is also now supporting Brain Tumour Research's 'Wear a Hat Day' which aims to raise awareness of the illness.<br /><br />He said: “It’ll be a team effort on the day with my colleagues helping to make the cakes which I will sell whilst wearing a hat, and we have pin badges available to buy. <br /><br />"I’m also going to offer a drop-in session for people to ask me questions about brain tumours. <br /><br />"I didn’t know a thing about the disease until I was diagnosed. <br /><br />"I feel fortunate that my tumour is low-grade and for as long as I can, I will help fly the flag and raise awareness of the disease."<br /><br />Mel Tiley, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: "We’re grateful to Jamie for sharing his story.<br /><br />"People can get involved in Wear A Hat Day in so many fun and easy ways, the list really is endless. <br /><br />"Wear a hat and hold a walk, a party, a quiz night or a bake sale.<br /><br />"Or get your thinking cap on and come up with something totally unique."<br /><br />Jamie was first diagnosed with tumour in 2004.
