Home   Tunbridge Wells   News   Article

Tunbridge Wells teen with brain tumour set to host Dame Kelly Holmes on new mental health podcast

A teenager with an incurable brain tumour that left him blind has launched his own podcast about mental health and is set to host double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes.

Malachi Tyler, 15, from Tunbridge Wells suffers from the genetic condition neurofibromatosis, which causes tumours to grow on his nerves.

Shortly after birth he underwent 18 months of chemotherapy before having 12 different brain operations which left him suffering from epilepsy.

Malachi lost his sight aged two after suffering a glyoma, a type of tumour that presses on the optic nerve causing irreversible damage.

Throughout his life he has fought inoperable tumours, blindness and suicidal thoughts.

He discusses his own struggles with mental health in his new podcast show, Malavision and is set to host Dame Kelly Holmes as one of his first guests.

The middle-distance runner, who lives in Hildenborough, near Tonbridge, has herself opened on her own struggles, describing it as a "battle" in her head.

Malachi began recording his podcasts on his phone last year. Picture: Malachi Tyler
Malachi began recording his podcasts on his phone last year. Picture: Malachi Tyler
Double Olympic medallist Dame Kelly Holmes will feature on Malachi's podcast. Picture: Matthew Walker
Double Olympic medallist Dame Kelly Holmes will feature on Malachi's podcast. Picture: Matthew Walker

So far Malachi, who lives in Sherwood with mum Emma and dad Graham, has self-produced all of his episodes, recording the interviews on his phone.

But now Tunbridge Wells-based media and marketing company, Chatty Hatter, has reached out and offered to produce his next show with the double Olympic champion.

Malachi said: "I'm nervous and excited, I think having all the cameras on me will be daunting but I enjoy the spotlight. I love it."

In 2013, aged five, Malachi had his first of 13 brain surgeries to remove a build up of fluid caused by a condition called hydrocephalus.

Despite his struggles he has managed to complete a series of personal challenges including abseiling down a building as Spiderman, being a train driver, which saw him take the controls of a trains simulator, and becoming a policeman for the day when he joined a Metropolitan Police passing out parade and "arrested" a chief inspector.

But in 2016, during recovery of his twelfth operation, the youngster's mental health hit an all-time low.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time or click here to visit the website.
If you want to talk to someone confidentially, click here.

He told KentOnline: "I rolled over, looked at my mum and said 'I want to die'; I even explained how I was going to do it.

"Obviously that's a seven year-old saying that which isn't normal but I think it's such a big thing for me to go from having suicide ideation to where I am now and to grow as much as I have."

Malachi is using his experiences to relate to others in his podcast which he started five months ago.

The teen podcaster added: "I'm blind and when I listen to Youtube videos I only get the audio so I thought why not a podcast so people would get the same experience as me.

"Mental health is so not spoken about especially with men's mental health.

"In 2015, I was going through a really dark time but since doing the podcast it's lifted my confidence so much and it is inspiring to hear other people's stories.

Malachi Tyler, aged seven, abseiled down the water tower at the Salomon's Estate to tick off another challenge from his bucket list. Picture: Matthew Walker.
Malachi Tyler, aged seven, abseiled down the water tower at the Salomon's Estate to tick off another challenge from his bucket list. Picture: Matthew Walker.

"The topics we talk about we ask the hard questions. Most 15-year-olds wouldn't ask the questions I do.

"Sorry if it is a trigger to anyone but we talk about suicide and mental health."

In the podcast Malachi also discusses abuse, both verbal and physical, after having a hard time at school.

"I make an emphasis at the end of all my podcasts about it and make sure that we give the support lines," he added. "It's so important as I don't think it's out there enough."

Malachi has dreams of one day becoming a social media influencer and wants to find a way to financially support himself through these podcasts.

Malachi Tyler with Nicole 'Coco' Turner, host of the Big Chat podcast and guest on Malachi's show. Picture: Malachi Tyler
Malachi Tyler with Nicole 'Coco' Turner, host of the Big Chat podcast and guest on Malachi's show. Picture: Malachi Tyler

He hopes to pursue a career in the industry and interview TV personalities Ben Shepherd and Gemma Collins, along with fashion supermodel Kate Moss next.

Currently the teenager records one show a week, released at 2am every Sunday on streaming platforms Spotify, Deezer and Anchor.

The 15-year-old is also on Instagram and Twitter and tweets from Malavision2023.

Malachi's prognosis is still unknown but his condition has been stable for years.

However he is still scheduled for bi-annual MRI scans to monitor any growth in his tumour.

It is a daily fight for Malachi but he hopes as long as his health remains stable he can continue to make his podcast.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More