Tumour patient flies to US

Nick Harvey first developed a brain tumour in 1994

A cancer patient is due to fly out to New York to undergo potentially life-saving surgery.

Nick Harvey from Cardiff is suffering from a malignant brain tumour and was supposed to have travelled to America before Christmas.

Doctors in Britain said they could do nothing for him.

But the 37-year-old will soon undergo pioneering radio-surgery at a hospital in New York for the malignant growth which first developed in 1994.

Supporters raised money for the specialist surgery after Mr Harvey was told nothing more could be done in the UK.

The procedure - which involves specialist laser treatment - is due to begin three days later and could take up to two months.

The former hairdresser will undergo the treatment at a medical centre on Staten Island.

His plight was taken up after two operations failed to help his condition and Mr Harvey was forced to seek help elsewhere.

Dr Gil Lederman at the Staten Island University Hospital examined his MRI scans and said he believed he could help.

Family and friends organised a variety of fundraising events and helped raise around £35,000 in six weeks.

The surgeon has offered the treatment at a reduced fee and Virgin Atlantic donated free flights.

The hospital has already helped a woman patient from north Wales with a tumour.