A BRAIN tumour sufferer has spoken of the “brilliant” response he has had after his story was featured in The Comet.

Hitchin resident Jon Redding, who was first diagnosed with the disease in 2009, told his story last month after, having got the all clear, a scan revealed the tumour had returned last summer.

The 35-year-old who lives in Bunyan Road wants to raise awareness as less than one per cent of cancer research goes to brain tumours charities, despite the disease killing more people under 40 than any other cancer.

Following an article in The Comet, Mr Redding said that he has received a number of cheques for the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust (SDBTT).

In one instance, he was recognised when buying an eternity ring and earrings for his wife Amelia while in Hitchin and was given a donation of �50.

Jon, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, said: “The response has been brilliant. I went into the jewellers and the guy recognised me from The Comet.”

Toad Hall Nursery in Hitchin, which Jon’s daughter Esm� attends, has also made SDBTT its charity of the year and will hold fundraising events throughout 2012.

Jon’s mum Joanne Tyrell, who lives in Common View, Letchworth GC, added: “A lot of people don’t know what a brain tumour is and I didn’t until I looked it up. People need to be more aware of it I believe.

“I was quite surprised with the response we’ve had and that’s down to The Comet.”

Joanne is also handing out brain tumour posters to schools and doctors surgeries in Hitchin and Letchworth GC in a bid to raise awareness of the disease.

For more information about the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust visit www.braintumourtrust.co.uk