9:20am Sunday 29th November 2009
By Laura Nesbitt
A NORTH Newton rugby veteran will find out tomorrow if he is suitable for potentially life-saving medical treatment.
Farmer Jim Clatworthy, 52, was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour in July, and will fly to Paris today with his wife Michelle to see specialists about a two-year pioneering trial.
British doctors found his latest brain scan to be inconclusive due to swelling after radiotherapy, and the scan was sent to the French capital for analysis.
Before he flew out, Jim told the Mercury: “I am both nervous and excited, but it sounds promising that they have called us to Paris.”
There are 283 places available in the trial across America at Europe, and should he be accepted, Jim will have to wear a hat fitted with electrodes for 22 hours a day, powered by a portable battery.
Electric signals will be sent to the brain to disrupt the cancer cells as they divide in the hope it will increase the length of time before the disease progresses.
The father-of-two has been heavily involved with rugby clubs in North Petherton and Taunton, and has been staggered by the support offered by people in Sedgemoor.
He said: “We are so grateful for all the fundraising and help people have shown us. It really has been overwhelming.”
Money raised will go towards travel costs for Jim and Michelle, as they will have to regularly fly to Paris to get the electrodes replaced.
ALL proceeds from a skittles competition being held at the Harvest Moon in North Newton next month will go the Jim Clatworthy Fund.
The competition will run from December 3 to 12. Individual entry is £1.50 for three balls between 7pm and 11pm Monday to Friday, and from 12noon on the weekend.
The winner of the skittle-off on December 12 will win £500. For more information call Helen on 07920-043358.
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