A dad who was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour wants to live long enough to watch his daughter play rugby for England.

Simon Cromack, 51, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma - the most aggressive type of brain tumour - in November 2023.

He started experiencing a numb right foot, which spread to his leg and later his arm early in November 2023 and found it "a little odd".

Simon went to the GP and says he was told to come back a week later.

But instead, a few weeks later later, concerned Simon went to Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, where he had CT scans and an MRI scan - which confirmed a brain tumour.

He hopes to live long enough to watch his daughter, Ella, 18, play professionally for the England women's rugby team.

Simon, a hospitality consultant, from Ashampstead, Berkshire, said: "Ella started playing rugby when she was nine years old.

"She is a professional rugby payer for Harlequins and she has just been named in the under-20s England squad.

"There are lots that we want to see the girls do as they grow up, and I also want to do my bit to raise awareness about brain tumours and their treatments.

"I promise I will do all I can to kick this into touch, and we are going to beat it together.”

In December 2023, Simon had a five-hour operation at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, to remove as much of the tumour as possible.

He said: "I knew from day one that they would need to operate.

"They said they would try and remove 40 per cent of the tumour and in the end, they got between 60 to 70 per cent of it which is an awful lot more than they expected.

"We are now waiting for the full biopsy to see what our next steps are."

Simon is expected to start chemotherapy and radiotherapy on February 20.

Inspired by his daughters, he has raised £134,234 for alternative treatments alongside his chemotherapy to prolong his life.

Simon anticipates he may also need to go overseas for treatment.

Dr Michele Afif, CEO of The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “Whilst Simon’s fundraising is truly humbling, it is heart-breaking to know that people with a brain tumour diagnosis are still obliged to privately fund potential treatments, as a result of continuing barriers to NHS access.

“It is essential that efforts are now made to ensure that manufacturers and regulatory bodies come together to guarantee that new treatments are assessed fairly and promptly, so that those affected can access the treatments they need as quickly as possible.

“The Brain Tumour Charity works tirelessly to address these barriers, which so often limit access to the best available care - ensuring that the patient voice is represented every step of the way."

To donate to Simon's fundraiser, please click here.