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AHEAD OF THE GAME
Wirral Life met with Brain tumour survivor , Dave Bolton , to find out about his journey , how he survived against the odds and his new charity .
“ The thing I have come to learn is that life is so precious and tomorrow is not guaranteed ’ says 40-year-old Dave Bolton , from Greasby , Wirral .
The importance of time is not lost on father-of-two , Dave , whose infectious positivity belies his incredible journey . His story is one that elicits gasps of disbelief . Dave has overcome more adversity than most people face in a lifetime .
Dave was in a near-fatal collision with a 23 ton articulated lorry , while out riding his motorbike in 2004 . After the accident , which saw Dave crushed under the front two wheels of the lorry , he underwent a 12-hour life saving operation and spent eight days in a medically induced coma . Dave was later informed that he was only 30 seconds away from bleeding to death . Due to the severity of the injuries sustained to both of Dave ' s legs , he was told he would never walk unaided ever again . Dave defied the prognosis by not just walking unaided but by becoming the World Light Weight Kickboxing Champion for Great Britain in 2004 Pisa , Italy .
In May 2014 , Dave suffered a violent 15 minute Grand Mal nocturnal seizure in which he dislocated his shoulder , bit through his tongue and stopped breathing . Tests and scans revealed Dave had a tennis ball sized Astrocytoma II tumour in his brain . He was booked into The Walton Centre , where he underwent brain surgery . Dave was given a 5 year life prognosis .
“ I recovered from brain surgery extremely quickly and managed to get my life back on track . I began working as a professional Strength & Conditioning coach , life was great .” says Dave .
Unfortunately 13 months later at a routine scan it was seen that a Glioblastoma IV ( GBM4 ) tumour had presented in his brain . Following emergency surgery , Dave was given a terminal diagnosis of 3 months to live .
“ I sat there in the dark , head in hands as tears poured down my face . Right I thought , if 3 months is the average then I have never been average at anything .” This was his defining moment and Dave set about wanting to be a new type of medical statistic . He tackled his disease 360 degrees , trying to beat the averages and give him another 18 months . Unfortunately only 17 % of GBM4 patients live to see 18 months post diagnosis .
Nearly 7 years on from his original terminal diagnosis , Dave has once again defied the odds and has become a new type of statistic . Dave is now the founder of a new non-profit Foundation .
“ Having spent 7 years in this world of cancer now , I ’ ve supported and helped other cancer fighters from all over the world . Unfortunately you make personal connections , become good friends and then they pass away . I have seen and experienced first hand the gap in physical and mental rehabilitation offered to those recovering from the often devastating effects of cancer . No cancer patient should have to pay privately for what is a basic level of care .”
Ahead Of The Game Foundation ( AOTG ) was launched at Caldy Golf Club in September 2021 with a charity golf event . Hosting the event alongside Dave , was his close friend and ambassador of the foundation ex Liverpool FC and Leeds Utd footballer Dominic Matteo . The event raised £ 25,389.86 .
Dave and his team are currently using the funds raised to provide free pre / rehabilitation health and wellbeing programmes which encompasses physical , mental , emotional and financial support to 12 individuals with cancer across Wirral and Cheshire .
The AOTG Foundation currently relies on the generosity of the public for donations and monies raised through fundraising events .
Dave currently works as a campaigner for Brain Tumour Research and has spoken in Westminster as part of an ongoing enquiry into the lack of funds currently given to Brain tumours . Not only that , Dave is a mentor for The Brain Tumour Charity Young Ambassadors programme . A programme for children and young adults who have been diagnosed with / or have lost a family member to a brain tumour .
“ I may have cancer , but cancer doesn ’ t have me ”
To find out more and to see how you can help , follow or contact Dave via : Instagram : aheadofthegame _ foundation Twitter : @ A _ O _ T _ G _ Web : aheadofthegamefoundation . com You Tube : Ahead Of The Game Foundation
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