Hello, My name is Kieran Mess and I am 8 years old. I live with my Mummy and Daddy and Bun (my cuddly rabbit who I've had since I was born). I've also got a pet Tarantula called George . I had a pet rabbit called Harvey but he went to heaven, I think a big dog scared him. I have a new rabbit called Poppy, he's a wee bit of a rascal. My Big sister Yvonne lives in Aberdeen and visits me from time to time with her boyfriend.

My best friend is my cousin Stephanie and she stays a wee bit away from my house in Irvine, Scotland, Great Britain. I like to go swimming with my mum and I love going ten pin bowling with my dad and Uncle Peter.

My favorite toys are the Thunderbirds and Transformers and I like anything to do with space and rockets. I've even got my own rocket that flies to over 400ft.I love watching Harry Potter and playing my PS2.

From the age of 3 I haven't been very well. In August 1999,  I went to the Hospital because I used to get headaches and feel sick quite often. Once I got there a big camera took a picture of my head. The Doctor then told my mummy and daddy that there was something growing in my head , and they had to try and get it out. I had a long visit to the hospital in August but the Doctor couldn't get all the growth out, but he did manage to get some of it , which has made me feel a little bit better .

Kieran was diagnosed with having a Low Grade Tumour (Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma)-see more info on this type of tumour by clicking here- in August 1999 although 50% was surgically removed the remainder proved too difficult to remove . The location of the tumor was very deep within the middle of the brain on the right Temporal Lobe and was surrounded by major arteries and nerves. It is also located at the entrance of the right ventricle. This location would prove a problem in the future.

We congratulate and thank all the medical staff at the Neurological Dept Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, for removing what they did in such a very delicate area of the body. Although Kieran still continues to keep poor health ,and has a long way to go in his treatment and recovery ,my wife and I are relieved and delighted at the progress he is making.

Below are two images of Kieran's C.T. scans, taken on Thursday 12th August 1999.
These were the images that would change our lives forever.
The scan on the left shows the Brain without any contrast
The right scan clearly shows the Tumour once the contrast has been added.
(Both taken before Surgery)

The picture below shows our brave little boy only one day after he had surgery to remove the tumour.
This was taken in the Intensive Care Dept, Southern General Hospital. He is accompanied by his ever present companion "Bun".

 Kieran on his long road to recovery

Aug 1999

                  Kieran, down at the Beach 2002                 Kieran June 2003