Football-mad Jack Thumwood is back on the pitch after getting the results of his latest brain scan.

Footy fanatic - Jack Thumwood with his dad, Jim. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN (38314-16)

Eight-year-old Jack wasn't allowed to play his favourite game because of fluid on his brain, following an operation to remove a brain tumour.

But doctors have now said the youngster can put his boots on once again.

Jack, of Mersea Road, Colchester, has been through a lot in his short life. The brain tumour was discovered when he was two. Two lengthy operations later, the tumour was successfully removed.

But just months after that, Jack found out he had an adrenal tumour, which had grown up into his heart. Surgeons completed a tricky three-and-a-half hour operation to remove that tumour, too.

Jack then needed three months of chemotherapy. Since then he's been steroid dependent, and because of the fluid on his brain, he hasn't been allowed to play his beloved football.

Specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital have now decided, because things seem stable, it wasn't fair to deny Jack playing the game he loves so much.

Published Monday, September 27, 2004

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