Tom's warm welcome from classmates after brain tumour surgery
IT'S just weeks since he underwent major surgery for a brain tumour but schoolboy Tom Marton is back in class for the new academic year.
The Beverley Grammar School pupil, who underwent a 13-hour operation in July, has returned to lessons full-time.
The 14-year-old completed his last session of radiotherapy at Leeds General Infirmary last week and is now back at school studying for his GCSEs.
He said: "It's good to be back in school. It takes your mind off things.
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"I'm just enjoying the everyday things, such as seeing my mates and doing schoolwork, which you usually take for granted."
Tom's mum, Hilary, said: "He is doing well and has been back at school every day since the beginning of term, only leaving early to travel to Leeds for his treatment.
"As from this week, he is in school full-time again and cracking on with studying for his GCSEs."
Hilary said Tom is pleased to be finally back at school full-time, seven months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
She said: "He appears to be coping well despite the amount of schooling he missed last year and is determined that he will catch up with his peers.
"As usual, school staff are very supportive and aware of his needs, however he is not getting any special treatment, which is good, as he is being treated the same as everyone else."
Tom even went back to judo for a training session a couple of weeks ago as he is determined that he wants his life to get back to normal.
Hilary said: "Unfortunately, I think it was a step too far and he was surprised by how much it took out of him so has not been since.
"He will start attending again regularly as soon as he can as he is adamant that things should carry on as they were."
Tom has some check-up appointments within the next two weeks but is then not expected to return to hospital until January, when he will have another MRI scan to determine how successful the treatment has been.
Teachers at the boys' secondary, where Tom's brother, Jack, is a sixth form student, have paid tribute to the teenager's determination.
Modern foreign languages teacher Claire Groak, who takes Tom for Spanish, said: "Tom came to see me in July and asked for work so he didn't get behind while he was off – I just thought this was such a mature response and I was so pleased that he'd even thought about studying, especially my subject.
"Tom managed to not get behind the others in the group due to his hard work and determination and started back in September with as much enthusiasm.
"Tom is so keen to learn, it's a real pleasure teaching him.
"He always wants to know more and participates fully in the lessons. The few times he has missed lessons due to hospital appointments, he has taken it upon himself to catch up.
"I have no doubt that Tom will continue to strive in Spanish, and at school in general, and I look forward to two more years of teaching him."
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