A brave teenager battling a brain tumour has inspired a family friend to produce a music CD, which is being sold to help fund research into the disease.
Luke Webber, who lives in Stevenage and is a pupil at Barclay Academy, was diagnosed with a low-grade craniopharyngioma in summer 2020 after suffering headaches and double vision for about 12 months.
The 15-year-old, who has undergone two surgeries and proton beam therapy, is now being monitored with regular scans, but suffers from life-changing chronic conditions as a result of what he has been through.
He has lost pituitary gland function - so no longer produces the hormones needed to keep him alive, has diabetes insipidus, adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism.
He requires growth hormones and testosterone injections and has sustained damage to the part of the brain that produces hormones to control functions such as sleep, body temperature and hunger. This has resulted in illnesses including hypothalamic obesity, which causes constant hunger and weight gain, even in response to calorie restriction.
Family friend Tony Hickey, who has known Luke’s dad since 1993, is using his musical talents to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.
The trumpet player said: “I started working on this CD when Luke first started treatment, so it’s taken me nearly two years. ‘Special’ is the title track and name of the album because Luke’s a special lad and it’s a meaningful song."
Tony's self-funded album consists of six easy-listening tracks and is available at shop.braintumourresearch.org.
“As well as raising funds, I hope it raises lots of awareness for the charity, so a cure can be found sooner," the 59-year-old said.
Luke’s dad, Peter, said: “Luke continues to live with this illness, but he is keen for others to understand the symptoms, in the hope they will be offered a scan quicker when they first appear. He is also keen for more research into other types of treatments, which are less invasive and life-changing, so others won’t have to go through what he has."
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re really thankful for Tony’s talents in being able to produce this CD and would encourage everyone who is able, to show their support by buying a copy. Together we will find a cure.”
To add to Tony’s fundraising, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/specialcd.
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