A young footballer has achieved his greatest victory by beating a rare form of cancer which led to a tumour the size of a kiwi fruit developing in his brain.
Nicky Main, 21, has marked a significant stage in his comeback by signing for Press and Journal Highland League side, Lossiemouth.
Mr Main was with St Johnstone, where his father, Elgin-born Alan, played as a goalkeeper, when he was diagnosed in 2010 after his weight plummeted dramatically.
His muscles withered and he began to forget basic things, such as where he had parked his car in the supermarket car park, and was initially thought to have glandular fever.
He said: “Eventually I went to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and had a head scan, when it was discovered that I had a tumour the size of a kiwi fruit in my brain.
“My first words were that they had to get it out – I always believed I would beat the condition, but was more concerned at the impact on my family.
“But I am a fighter and I beat it in the end, with their help, and it was a long, long road before I was given the all-clear.”
As well as 26 gruelling sessions of radiotherapy, he had to endure intricate surgery which involved drilling a hole in his brain to drain the built-up fluid.
That took place just before Christmas 2010, when the family rallied round to give their support at such a crucial time.
Dad Alan, and mum Ann-Marie, were joined by his brothers Christopher and Josh at his bedside.
Nicky said: “My dad basically camped in my room for weeks after the operation and I was then back and forward to the hospital for weeks.
“The radiotherapy shrunk the tumour and finally killed it off.”
Having played in Rangers FC youth team, as well as the Scotland under-17 squad, he has no qualms about resuming his career in the Highland League.
“These are twists of fate – my outlook has completely changed and I am thankful for life every day,” he said.
“I am on loan from Lossiemouth to Lossiemouth United, who play in the junior league.
“It is all about the enjoyment of kicking a ball again and coming home with scratches and bruises on my legs – I have been all clear for two years and it is just great to be able to play football again.”