A brain tumour patient from Worcester Park is helping to raise awareness of the disease by taking part in a charity’s Christmas Advent Appeal.

Sam Suriakumar, a self-employed recruitment consultant and part-time musician, has shared his story to remind people why research into the disease is so important.

The dad-of-two, who is now a Brain Tumour Research supporter ambassador, discovered he had a low-grade glioma after suffering from several seizures on the train home from work in February 2020.

His tumour was being monitored on a watch and wait approach until a scan in July revealed it had grown.

Having now undergone surgery and radiotherapy, Sam is preparing for chemotherapy.

In his video, which sits behind today’s door (December 24), Sam, dressed in a Christmas hat and accompanied by an Elf on the Shelf, says: “I am currently suffering from a brain tumour.

“This is my friend, Truffles, our Elf on the Shelf.

“He has no tumour, so we want to get to his stage.

“And how are we going to do that?

“We are going to help research.

“We are going to help fund that research, and we're going to find solutions for families, for people like me, because I want lots of Christmases to come.

“How can you do that? Make a donation. Help us. Whether it's £1, whether it's £5, whether it's £10, whether it’s £100, whatever you do, whatever small bit you make, we're building, we're building to something amazing and I really do wish you an amazing Christmas.

“Have a lovely New year and I will see you guys again soon.”

It is hoped the poignant stories it contains will inspire visitors to make a donation to the charity, ultimately helping to find a cure for people like Sam.

The 38-year-old, who has raised more than £40,500 for the charity and inspired more than £4,500 in additional fundraising, said: “I would encourage everyone to support the Brain Tumour Research Advent Appeal because the research its funding is giving hope to patients like me who want to live longer lives.

“Together we will find a cure.”

Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “Please help us to raise awareness of the indiscriminate nature of brain tumours and raise vital funds to get us closer to our vision of finding a cure, thereby bringing hope to everyone affected by this devastating disease.”