A CAR crash saved the life of a Northwich man when it led to the early diagnosis of a brain tumour.

Airport engineer James Wood blacked out on his way to work at Manchester Airport and woke up in Wythenshawe Hospital 10 hours later.

The brain tumour was discovered when the 50-year-old had an MRI scan the following day to find out what caused his seizure and what injuries he sustained in the crash.

"It didn't seem like it at the time as I was in a lot of pain, but the plus side of me crashing my car was that my brain tumour was diagnosed sooner," he said.

James, who suffered a fractured spine in the incident, was referred to a neurosurgeon at Salford Royal Hospital.

He found out that the tumour was not life-threatening but was advised to have surgery to remove as much of it as possible.

James, lives in Northwich with his wife Claire, had 97 per cent of the tumour removed three-and-a-half months after the crash.

He then had radiotherapy and hoped life would get back to normal but discovered his concentration, organisation and personality were affected.

He said: "You think it's going to be like it was before you were diagnosed, but I slowly realised that things weren't how they used to be.

"I just couldn't concentrate as well as I did before which made me less productive.

"I had been told this might be the case because of my tumour, radiotherapy and medication."

He added: "I have found this one of the most difficult aspects of dealing with my brain tumour.

"It's easier to understand physical problems.

"You can see the tumour on the MRI scan, you know radiotherapy makes your hair fall our and you can see your surgery scars.

"But it's difficult to accept that 'upstairs' may not be as good as it used to be, and that it will have an effect on the rest of your life.

"I became a lot more irritable and less accepting of other people's views and opinions.

"But I asked Claire and friends to point it out and I became more aware of it myself."

James is now backing The Brain Tumour Charity's report 'Finding Myself in Your Hands: The Reality of Brain Tumour Treatment and Care', which is based on a survey of more than 1,000 people diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The report highlights that 43 per cent of patients had not accessed support services.

James said: "To be honest, I was a bit cynical about help from support services before I needed them.

"But they've been excellent and I've had brilliant support.

"So I always urge people to accept help, whether it's psychological support, physiotherapy or access to work schemes – take them."

He is now back driving, mountain bike riding, walking his dog Sassie and enjoying an active social life.