Student graduates after double brain tumour

James Mayman, 26, of Hull, graduated with a degree in drama from Sunderland University with his family and girlfriend Jessica Shepherd in attendance in a ceremony held at the city’s Stadium of Light football ground.

He was diagnosed with two brain tumours shortly after starting his third year at university after complaining of severe headaches.

The graduate, who is now returning to live in his home city, had two brain operations three days after being diagnosed at the Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary before beginning chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.

He was given his final session of radiotherapy on his 25th birthday last year.

He claimed he wanted to prove to himself and others that he could complete his course and beat the illness, and is now hoping to become a professional actor.

He said: “It was such a tough time and a shock to me when the doctors told me why I was getting such severe headaches. It was a really tough time and a battle I was determined not to lose. I always wanted to come back to university and beat the odds and I can’t tell you how great it feels to graduate.

“I’d love to continue with my life now and begin acting, I can’t think of anything better than getting paid for what I want to do.”

His girlfriend added: “Words can’t describe how amazing it was to finally watch James graduate after all he has been through and all the hard work he had put in to his final year.”