A father has been given just 18 months to live after medics discovered a tumour the size of a golf ball had been growing slowly in his brain for two decades.
Computer programmer Jody Sexton was diagnosed with the tumour after suffering memory loss, body weakness and excruciating headaches.
The 43-year-old was initially told he was suffering from migraines and told to see an optician but medics now believe the 5cm mass has been growing slowly in his brain for about 20 years.
Father-of-three Mr Sexton, from Portsmouth, Hants, was then told the tumour was benign but has now been left devastated after hearing the cancer is terminal.
He has already undergone brain surgery while awake but will start radiotherapy and chemotherapy next month.
His grade 4 glioblastoma - one of the most deadliest forms of brain cancer - has now forced him to give up his job.
Wife Elle, a full-time mum, launched an online fundraising page to help the family's money woes, which has now raised more than £13,000.
Mr Sexton said: "Life is what it is and if I dwelled on what is happening then I would be sitting on my bed and crying.
"But I have a wife and children who are going to be left behind and it is them I feel sorry for.
"I think it is so important to look on the bright side of life and I am similar to my dad in that way.
"A positive mental attitude is so important in life and especially at times like these.
"Knowing that there are so many people in the community that want to help us is really humbling and I feel very lucky in this unlucky situation."
On their JustGiving page, Mrs Sexton, 36, said: "The mass itself is measuring at approximately 5cm - slightly bigger than a golf ball.
"It's also showing signs of calcification, which led the doctor to believe it may have been growing very slowly for approximately 20 years."
