A young Edinburgh dad who has already been through two cancer battles received heartbreaking news from doctors at his most recent scan.
Colin Kimber, from Broomhouse, was initially diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2012. The then 25-year-old was taken to hospital after suffering multiple seizures in one day, but was later discharged. When he experienced yet another one at home, he was rushed back to A&E, Edinburgh Live reports.
A brain scan revealed a brain tumour and he was taken for surgery, which went 'really well' according to Colin's mum Diane Kelly. After four or five weeks of recovery, Colin returned to his work as a chef and has since worked at Edinburgh Airport, the University of Edinburgh and more recently Prestonfield Golf Club.
However, two years later Colin suffered another seizure and was told that the tumour had returned - and grown larger. He underwent a second operation as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, before eventually being given the all clear.
Just before his diagnosis, Colin met partner Hana, with the pair later tying the knot and welcoming their two daughters. Now aged 34, Colin had been enjoying his new life as a dad when he was dealt a devastating blow at the start of this year.
After suffering confusion, Colin was taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with another tumour, which doctors believe is behaving like stage four type and 'very aggressive'. To help support her son, Diane has set up a fundraiser for his family as he faces going through cancer treatment yet again.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live about her son and his battle with cancer, Diane said: "In 2012 he started taking seizures. He was taken into hospital and then sent home but hours later he had another and was then rushed to hospital.
"After a brain scan they found a tumour but he had the operation which seemed to go well. They removed as much as they could and he was only off work for four or five weeks.
"Two years later he suffered another seizure and was told the tumour had re-grown. He then underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy for months and then had scans every six months.
"In that time he was fine and returned to work, he's a really talented chef and and has worked all over the city. Colin did what most people do in life, he met his wife, they got married and she gave birth to two daughters aged three and five.
"At the end of April this year he went for an emergency scan after feeling confused sometimes and they actually detected a different tumour on the right side of his brain, but his scan in August last year was completely clear."
Devastatingly, Colin was told by doctors that his tumour was aggressive and it is behaving like it is stage four. They also explained that due to the tumours' size and location, it is unlikely they will be able to operate, as it could cause more harm than good.
Colin is now undergoing chemotherapy and taking each day as it comes. Diane explained that medics are unsure how the cancer will react to treatment, but are hoping it will prolong Colin's life so he has as much time left with his family as possible.
She continued: "Doctors said the tumour is too awkward in terms of size and location so they can't operate. We don't know exactly how long he has got left but we're waiting until the end of July to hopefully get an update.
"That will have been his third month of chemotherapy and hopefully it's a positive update as doctors are hoping to either stop its growth or shrink it. Since the recent diagnosis thing have got hard though, he can't get life insurance due to his health so I decided to start the fundraiser to support him and his family.
"He's not allowed to drive either and some days he is exhausted. It was all just good news after good news then we were told this, it's just devastating.
"To be fair to Colin he always just got on with it and said it is what it is. His wife is currently taking time off work to look after their kids but is hoping to return later this year.
"It's a difficult thing to have to tell kids that age and such a shame for them both. Luckily he was able to go on a little holiday for four days before starting chemo again but they had to stay within driving distance as he can't fly."
Diane says Colin has always lived quite a personal life, but is now trying to arrange a big family meal to bring everyone together.
She added: "I think he is angry at life as there are so many bad people out there and this has happened to him of all people. It's just so sad to be honest.
"Back in the day he loved travelling and worked as a rep in Greece. He has always been outgoing and is genuinely just a funny and bubbly person with a huge personality.
"He has always worked to do better for himself and has met a lot of people who he has kept in touch with. Despite his battle with cancer over the years he has done what any young person would do, go out and live their life."
To donate to Diane's fundraiser on behalf of Colin and his family, you can do so here.
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