IT IS almost 10 years since Carlisle's Ethan Tweedie was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

He spent much of his childhood undergoing exhausting cancer treatment, but always with a smile on his face.

Now 15, he has not only been given the all clear by doctors but is raising money to help other patients.

Ethan, from Dalesman Drive, Garlands, has just completed a sponsored climb, raising about £600 for the Brain Tumour Charity - to help fund vital research and help save more lives.

The teenager, who is about to move into year 11 at Trinity School, climbed the equivalent height of Dixon's Chimney twice - a huge feat for someone whose body has been through so much.

Ethan became ill when he was just six-years-old.

Parents Amanda and Andrew noticed he was acting strangely. He developed a lazy eye, his coordination and balance suddenly worsened and he started complaining of severe headaches.

It took a while to get a diagnosis, but the family knew something was wrong and kept pushing. Eventually he was referred to the Cumberland Infirmary for a scan, which confirmed their worst fears.

He was taken by ambulance to Newcastle General, where he remained for many weeks while doctors drew up an intensive treatment plan.

"Even though I'd feared the worst, it was still a shock. Even when we got to Newcastle, I thought we'd have him home within a week. You just don't expect it, you don't want to," said Amanda.

Ethan - who has two older brothers, Dan, now 25, and Aaron, 22 -underwent surgery to remove the tumour, then a course of radiotherapy, followed by chemotherapy. "He was really poorly on the chemo. It was tough," she said.

He finished the full treatment in April 2010 and got the all clear about three years ago.

However he is still living with the long terms effects of the tumour and subsequent treatment.

"The treatment leaves life-long side effects. A lot of them started later on. I couldn't believe that this far down the line he would start getting new problems, but he has," said Amanda.

Ethan can't see out of his right eye, his hearing has been affected, he has to take growth hormones, has thyroid issues and still gets some headaches and fatigue. He also has some issues learning, because his brain doesn't process information as quickly as it should - though he's now taking part in a drugs trial that is helping combat this.

Thinking back to his time in hospital, Ethan said: "It's strange. I remember some of it. I remember sitting on my bed in the hospital, but there's a lot I don't remember."

Although he feels good, he does think he's missed out on a lot because of his illness, and is frustrated that he can't take in part in some sports - including rugby - like others his age.

But he tries to focus on the positives. He still plays a lot of sport, including climbing and table tennis, and has managed to continue his football with the local pan-disability football team.

The fundraising challenge has also given him a confidence boost.

"I said to my grandma that I wanted to do it. I did a sponsored swim years ago and said I'd like to do something else in the future. I started at Eden Rock and thought I could do a sponsored climb," he said.

His challenge was to complete 44 full climbs, which is equal to twice the height of Dixon's Chimney. He had the wall booked for 90 minutes, but completed it in half that - meaning he did one climb a minute.

"It was a really hot day. I was sweating so much I couldn't see. I'm quite pleased with myself, especially the time I did it in," said Ethan.

Amanda added: "He was a bit nervous beforehand, but he gave it 100 per cent. Ethan doesn't do things by half measures.

"It was a big challenge for him. Especially when you consider he had to pretty much learn to walk again because he had no strength after his chemotherapy. We're all really proud of him."

Although still collecting money, he thinks he has raised about £600 - taking the total the family has raised for the Brain Tumour Charity over the years to roughly £10,000.

A lot of this has been led by his grandma, Alva Mclean, who has organised charity nights, afternoon teas, raffles and other events.

Amanda said: "I just want to say thanks to everyone who has supported Ethan, and us as a family, over the years.

"We've always tried to be positive. It will be his 10th anniversary since diagnosis in January. It's hard to believe it's been that long. He's doing great, especially when you how serious it was. He does get frustrated, but he's still here and is doing really well."