Childhood school friends who lost contact for ten years have been reunited after one was diagnosed with cancer.
Hairdresser Joanna Meadows, 21, from Gloucester, contacted her best friend Neil Vines, 22, after she learned over Facebook that he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.
The once super-fit personal trainer's appearance has been dramatically altered by the life-saving operations, intense chemotherapy and radiotherapy he has undergone since 2012.
After reuniting, Miss Meadows and Mr Vines have become best friends once again - and she has even shaved her head in support of him.
Mr Vines has battled a brain tumor that has affected his eye sight, as well as spinal cancer which left him unable to walk.
Miss Meadows said: "Me and Neil first met each other at play group and even though we grew apart after school, I was devastated when I heard he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor."
"I first got in touch with Neil over Facebook and I arranged to catch up with him at his house. From there we exchanged numbers and arranged cinema and coffee outings, it was nice being able to go out, spend time together and build a strong bond between the both of us," she explained
"He was a healthy personal trainer, working out in Crete, living life to the fullest, so it was a huge shock for him, his family and everyone who knew him," Joanna added.
Mr Vines was first diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor that had spread to his spine in 2012 after suffering severe headaches and neck pains.
He was working abroad at the time but once returned to the UK he underwent tests that led to his diagnosis.
“After operations, intense chemotherapy and radiotherapy Neil was then left unable to walk, however once his treatment had finished he was overly determined to get back on his feet. But a routine scan revealed that he had a second tumor near the front of his brain,” Meadows added.
“Neil needed further treatment and was put on a high dose of steroids to reduce the swelling on his brain.”
Mr Vines has written a book documenting his journey called Powerful Beyond Measure, which is expected to go on sale starting next month.
“Joanna's friendship has supported me throughout my cancer journey, her texts, calls and visits have helped get me through some really tough times,” he stated.