Pupils rocked out to support teacher ahead of brain surgery
The Cathedral Primary, Motherwell, teacher was taken to Wishaw University Hospital, where doctors diagnosed a brain tumour.
Julie and Roddy dance with the kids (Image: Supplied) The 51-year-old was then referred to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Neurosurgeon Roddy O'Kane at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Julie said: "Meeting Roddy was surreal.
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"Even though I was receiving devastating news, I felt an odd sense of clarity, like life was giving me a wake-up call.
"Roddy was incredible. I immediately felt safe in his care.
Julie after surgery (Image: Supplied) "After he explained everything, we even shared a laugh. I started to feel lucky.
"I was lucky that the tumour had been found and that I had a chance to fight it.'
Julie was scheduled for surgery in June 2024 but had to step away from her primary six class after a scan showed changes in the tumour.
School kids shout Thunder with Roddy and Julie (Image: Supplied) On the day of her surgery, more than 600 pupils gathered in the assembly hall at 9.30am, armed with air guitars, to play AC/DC's Thunderstruck, known to be Dr O'Kane's pre-surgery ritual.
Julie said: 'When I saw the video after surgery, I was overwhelmed. Their energy, their joy. It lifted me. I truly felt their love.
"Just the day before my accident, I had made them a huge poster with the Memorare prayer.
Roddy and Julie (Image: Supplied) "They thought it was impossible to learn, but they said it every day.
"I believe their prayers and positivity helped carry me through.'
She visited the school with Dr O'Kane as part of a special assembly to say her thanks to the pupils in person.
More than 95% of Julie's glioblastoma stage four tumour was successfully removed.
She said: "I'm so grateful for the exceptional care I received before, during, and after surgery.
"Roddy and the entire team were phenomenal."
Despite retiring from teaching, Julie plans to continue volunteering at the school.
Before her treatment post-surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, she visited the school to get the 'ultimate power boost'.
She said: '600 cuddles filled with joy and happiness. Going to see the kids was going to my happy place.
"This school has been my life.
'I trained here, my three children went here, and I've watched so many pupils grow and thrive.
"I'm deeply thankful to the staff, the children, and my medical team at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and The Beatson. You're all truly remarkable.'
Mr O'Kane said: "When Julie showed me the video of the kids rocking out, I was nearly in tears.
"The support from the school has been incredible. Thank you to everyone for your positivity.
"And, who knows, maybe we've inspired a few future neurosurgeons.'
Graeme Young, headteacher at Cathedral Primary, said: "The children light up when Julie is around.
"We're so grateful to the doctors and nurses who helped her. Julie has been a cornerstone of this school, especially as we celebrate our 150th anniversary.
"She's helped bring that history to life for our pupils.'
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