AN INSPIRATIONAL man from Carlisle has bounced back after battling a grapefruit-sized brain tumour - and raised hundreds for a city charity which helped him.

Adrian Hope took part in a sponsored swim at Bannatyne Health Club and Spa on Kingstown Road before Christmas as a way to thank the “amazing” doctors and nurses, plus staff from Headway North Cumbria based at New Waterton Hall in the city centre.

The challenge comes six years after his brain tumour was removed in December 2013.

The diagnosis of the life-threatening condition left Adrian with long-term health implications, including short term memory loss.

His life soon went into a downward spiral - after being unable to work, his marriage broke down.

Adrian, of Burnfoot Grove, St Anns, said he lost the family home and his friends disappeared because they didn’t know how to take him as a different person.

Despite the setbacks, the 60-year-old took up swimming to keep fit and aid his recovery.

After starting slowly with just a few lengths, over the years he has made progress and built it up.

He now swims first thing in the morning every day.

Adrian also got involved with Headway after reading an article in The Cumberland News last year, and felt that the charity had something to offer him.

He regularly meets with other members with very similar stories and were in a similar situation.

Adrian said: “I swam on the anniversary of my tumour being removed - which was December 13.

“It took me about four hours to complete, it was a big ask, but luckily I had my sister and brother who came to invigilate.

“They counted the amount of lengths I did, otherwise I would have lost track.

“It certainly took longer than I thought it would, I’m used to swimming a mile - rather than three.

“The swim itself was a testing experience that pushed me to my limit, but I’m so pleased I’ve done it.

“Every length was an effort, but its been for a good cause, and Headway are overjoyed that I’ve been able to raise money for them.

“The donations are going to make a massive difference to a lot of the members who attend the group on a regular basis.”

Since the swimming feat - a grand total has been calculated and submitted to the team at Headway.

Donations were submitted online via a JustGiving donation page and despite an initial target of collecting £1,050, the figure has been smashed - with £1,757.11 raised.

Adrian has also thanked the staff at Bannatyne Health Club and Spa in Carlisle for their support in his preparation for the event and for enabling him to undertake the swim itself.

A spokesman from Headway North Cumbria added: “We would like to join Adrian in thanking his family and friends for the support prior to and during the swim, and for all the very generous donations that have been made.

“Well done Adrian - a magnificent effort, for which all at Headway North Cumbria are extremely grateful.”