Gunnedah man Stuart Little doesn’t have to imagine – this is his life, but the 20-year-old remains positive.

The apprentice mechanic underwent an operation last year to remove cysts from around his brain, which he said were found to be a mild form of cancer.

He said specialists all around the world advised his doctors to “keep an eye on it” and not undergo any cancer treatment at the time.

Stuart went back to work and continued on with his life.

Fast forward to September, 2014 – Stuart was taken to Gunnedah Hospital after suffering from a seizure.

He was sent home and not long after, another seizure struck.

Stuart was again taken to hospital where he had more convulsions, before he was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital.

“I didn’t know what was happening, I’d never had a seizure before – all I remember is being at home and then waking up in John Hunter,” Stuart said.

Stuart was taken for MRI scans and was set to have an operation to remove fluid build up from his brain when an infection set in.

“I was in hospital for three or four weeks before they could operate because the infection kept putting it off,” he said.

After the operation on October 9, Stuart remained in hospital for four days before returning to Gunnedah.

His pathology results revealed he had a more aggressive form of cancer in the front half of his brain – Oblioglioma.

“I’ve realised, it doesn’t matter if you are 20 or older, it could happen to you,” he said.

“I’m young but I just have to deal with it.”

Stuart travels to the new Tamworth Cancer Centre daily for oral chemotherapy and radiation.

His medical costs are climbing and he doesn’t qualify for the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS), which covers people who live more than 100km from the nearest treating specialist.

A group of local people have started a fund-raising committee to help Stuart with the financial side of his illness.

A 100 Club is being run by The Barbers Way and a Rock and Roll night will be held this Friday night, with a golf day set down for the future.

“There are some really good people out there and I’m really appreciative of all the help from the committee and others,” Stuart said.

Stuart is now in his third week of treatment, which will finish on December 22.

He said he is starting to feel lethargic, but is overall “feeling pretty good”.

“No other side effects have kicked in yet, so I’m just trying to keep moving and stay as healthy as I can and catch up with everyone before I get sick,” Stuart said.

In mid-January, Stuart will have another MRI to determine whether the treatment has worked and will take after chemotherapy drugs for a six-month period.

“Hopefully I can get back to work [at Lawrence’s Garage] in the new year, Aaron, Belinda and the boys have been so supportive,”he said.

Stuart said he is going to keep a positive outlook on life and is looking forward to seeing everyone on Friday night.

“You don’t ever expect anything like this to happen, I really appreciate how everyone has pulled together for me,” he said.

“The only way forward is to stay positive.”