A BRAVE science student who made a miraculous recovery after suffering a brain tumour and went on to secure a place at university has found vital support at an award-winning outdoors project.

James Bradley, aged 31, had to learn to walk again after falling unwell on holiday when he was just a teenager.

He is now part of Port Glasgow-based horticultural charity Parklea Branching Out, which was recently singled out for praise by Inverclyde MP Martin McCluskey in his first speech in parliament. 

The club recently held an Olympics-style sports day and Gourock man James took part with his mum Fiona, who volunteers with the project since retiring.

(Image: George Munro)

James, from Ballochmyle, said: "It is great coming along to Parklea and getting outdoors. It is a great project. They organise so much. It gets me out the house and out and about."

At the age of 16 former Gourock High pupil James was lucky to be alive after taking unwell in the USA, with medics battling to save his life.

When he returned home, although the tumour was not cancerous, he faced more life threatening complications and had to have another shunt fitted.

Ten years ago he underwent a risky nine hour operation to remove the tumour as his health took a turn for the worse.

(Image: George Munro)

Despite all this James refused to give in and in 2016 returned to education James won the James Watt award after working his way through courses firstly at West College Scotland doing an applied science course, an HNC and then an HND.

He then secured a place Caledonian University to study biological sciences, which he has had to defer because his health deteriorated.

But mum Fiona said: "James has been so determined the entire time. He can still take it up again, we will see how he gets on.

"The West College Scotland staff were incredible, they were so supportive. I can't speak highlighly enough."

In the last year has been struggling with his health.

In a bid to aid his recovery he has started going along to Branching Out at Parklea, which provides a range of activities and support services for people with additional support needs, learning support and physical disabilities.

Fiona added: "I started volunteering at Parklea when I retired as a bank manager. Now James comes along, I largely support James and some of the others. It is a fantastic project, we love it.

"It has helped James and myself so much."

Parklea Branching Out is about to open their new community hub as they continue to expand and help an increasing number of people.