A garden centre has named a brain tumour charity their 'charity of the year' after the co-owner's son got a shock diagnosis following a seizure while playing football.
Twenty-five-year-old Shay Emerton's life was on the line when he suddenly stopped breathing during a match in April last year.
After going into respiratory arrest, an anaesthetist who was playing for the opposition rushed to Shay's aid and was able to revive him.
The footballer, from St Albans, was taken to hospital where scans detected a tumour. He underwent surgery in which 98 per cent of his grade 2 glioma was removed, but he suffered supplementary motor area syndrome which left him with temporary paralysis down his right-hand side.
Having been unable to walk, Shay is now preparing to take part in the London Marathon in October with his brother and he'll be raising money for Brain Tumour Research.
Shay's diagnosis has also inspired his mother, who co-owns Burston Garden Centre in Chiswell Green, to make a year-long corporate commitment to the charity.
Dawn Emerton said: "Shay’s diagnosis came as a huge shock to us all but he has amazed us with his resilience and determination and continues to get stronger each day.
"His experience has made us determined to do all we can to support Brain Tumour Research in order to help improve treatment options for Shay and the many others like him who are facing an uncertain future."
Burston's has been donating £5 from the sale of every yellow magnolia to Brain Tumour Research, with the colour of the plant chosen to match the charity’s brand colours and took part in the charity's annual Wear a Hat Day in March.
Jill Wharfe, a manager at Burston Garden Centre, said: "We’ve planned lots of events to support Brain Tumour Research and are particularly excited about Wear a Hat Day with Flowers – what could be a better fit than fundraising and flowers?"
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “It’s wonderful to have Burston Garden Centre choose us as its charity of the year. We know the team has lots of fundraising ideas and look forward to seeing them come to fruition."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here