Jim Clatworthy, from North Newton, has received pioneering electrode treatment against a brain tumour (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Jim Clatworthy, from North Newton, has received pioneering electrode treatment against a brain tumour

2:53pm Tuesday 8th December 2009

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A FORMER North Petherton rugby player has been given a fighting chance of survival against a brain tumour by undergoing pioneering treatment.

Jim Clatworthy, a 52-year-old farmer from North Newton, travelled to Paris with his wife Michelle to see if he would be accepted on a new brain tumour-fighting treatment programme using electrodes placed over the skull.

The couple were delighted after a computer randomised thousands of applicants and confirmed Jim was eligible for treatment - making him the only person in the UK to have it.

Buying the electrodes outright would have cost Jim and Michelle around £160,000 but being accepted onto the trial means they will now raise money for travelling to France for monthly check-ups.

Michelle admits there is a 50/50 chance the treatment will work but she told the Mercury: “This is the most promising treatment out there and Jim had the electrodes placed onto him as soon as the computer found his name.

“I was given training and information on how to place the electrodes onto his head over the four days we were there and all the doctors and staff at the hospital were very supportive and rooting for us.

“Being accepted has taken a massive financial pressure off us and we will focus on raising money for our trips back to Paris.”

Jim will have to wear the electrodes throughout the day but Michelle said hospital staff were “amazed” he continues to work on the farm.

She added: “Fundraising drives have raised around £12,500 so far and everyone in the village has been fantastic.

“Everyone has enjoyed the fundraising and we could not have done it without them. It has been a massive boost for Jim's morale after such bad news.”

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