A teenager who survived a brain tumour has raised more than £6,000 to say thank you to the hospital staff who saved his life.

Tom Winchester, 18, has been fundraising for Above & Beyond since 2015 – marking 10 years since he was treated at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.

His original fundraising goal was £5,000, but by hosting a number of events Tom has raised £6,390.

Tom said: “Being able to say that I have raised such a massive amount of money is amazing.

“Presenting the cheque to hospital staff was by far the proudest moment of my life, and it was made even more special when my surgeon from over 10 years ago, Michael Carter, was able to take some photos with me.

“If it wasn’t for him performing surgery on my brain tumour 13 years ago, I wouldn’t be here today.

“So this money is a massive thank you to him and all the staff at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.”

Tom was just five when he had surgery to remove a brain tumour the size of an egg. 

He has organised walks, bucket collections, football matches and his grand finale ‘Written in the stars’ fundraising ball.

In 2016 Tom also took the very courageous step to share his story with 700 people at the Christmas Star Concert and won the hearts of the audience. 

Amy Barnard-Smith, community fundraising officer for Above & Beyond, said: “It’s been a pleasure getting to know Tom through his fundraising – he’s really hardworking and it shows in the massive amount he has raised.

“His fundraising will make a huge difference at the children’s hospital and we are incredibly grateful to Tom for his efforts.”

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For information about fundraising for Bristol’s hospitals, contact Amy on [email protected].