Latest news with #BrainTumourResearch
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Man thought he was 'tired from work' before brain tumour diagnosis
A man who initially attributed his "soul-destroying" fatigue and memory loss to being overworked is now trying to raise awareness of brain tumour symptoms. In 2019, Liam Harvey, from Bristol, was diagnosed with cystic craniopharyngioma - a benign brain tumour - following sudden blackouts and extreme exhaustion. The 26-year-old underwent three brain surgeries, eight weeks of radiotherapy treatment and the insertion of a permanent brain drain to combat swelling. Now in recovery, Mr Harvey walked 124 miles (200km) in May to raise awareness of symptoms and gather vital funds for cancer charity Brain Tumour Research. The maintenance worker was used to 80-hour weeks, but one day something said he began blacking out without warning, falling asleep mid-conversation, forgetting entire days and "projectile vomiting"."I went to the doctor twice and was told it was poor diet and working long hours, so I didn't think too much of it," he said. Mr Harvey was initially diagnosed as "underworked and underfed", but after losing 80% of his eyesight, an emergency visit to the optician marked the first step in a life-altering journey. "I couldn't even stay awake through the exam," he recalled. "I woke up hearing the optician telling my mum that I needed to go to the hospital, urgently. "He said there was something behind my eye."A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at Royal United Hospital in Bath revealed Mr Harvey's diagnosis. He then underwent eight hours of surgery to remove the tumour. 'A nightmare' Mr Harvey gained more than eight stone over eight weeks due to steroid medication, and his skin split under the pressure of rapid weight gain. "My skin tore from the stretch marks. The fatigue was soul-destroying," he said. "It was a nightmare that I just wanted to end. I had no idea what was going on, I was in shock." By the end of October 2019, Mr Harvey rang the bell to mark the end of recovery brought new challenges as his hip began deteriorating from the side effects of his received a hip replacement at Southmead Hospital in January 2021 and returned to work in August that Mr Harvey has not only reclaimed his independence but is determined to bring hope to others. Katrina Jones, head of community and digital fundraising at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Liam's journey is a powerful reminder of the urgent need for increased investment in brain tumour research. "His resilience and determination to raise awareness and funds inspire us all. "We are deeply grateful for his support and commitment to helping find a cure for this devastating disease."
Edinburgh Live
23-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Devoted son runs Edinburgh Marathon for mum whose GP misdiagnosed incurable tumour
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Scottish man is taking on the Edinburgh Half Marathon in honour of his mum who has been diagnosed with an incurable illness. After what appeared to be hot flushes and a 'mini stroke', it was later revealed they were the symptoms of an aggressive and incurable brain tumour. Jonny Charles, 29, is running 13.1 miles to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research, following his mum Fiona's shock diagnosis with glioblastoma in October 2024. The 61-year-old former primary school teacher had experienced a series of unexplained symptoms that gradually worsened, reports Aberdeen Live. Jonny said: "Mum would do anything for anyone. She gave up her teaching career to raise me, my brother Matthew and my sister Jennifer." "She was always active, playing golf, walking a lot, and taking part in agility competitions with our dog, Pippa. They've won so many rosettes that I don't think I could count them. (Image: Brain Tumour Research) "In mid-2024, mum started having these odd episodes where she'd suddenly feel hot and flustered, with her heart racing, and she would need to sip water to calm herself. "She also mentioned a strange smell in her nose, like burning food, but couldn't describe it properly. At first, we were worried her heart palpitations may be mini strokes that would lead to a major one, but we just weren't sure. "Eventually, my parents decided to go private for an MRI because we just weren't getting answers. That scan changed everything." Although a GP letter had initially reassured the family that the "small area of change at the front of the brain absolutely does not look like a brain tumour", they were not satisfied and pushed for further investigation, arranging a private MRI scan at Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen. The results revealed a mass in Fiona's brain. Further testing, including a biopsy, confirmed it was a glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and fast-growing forms of brain tumour, with a prognosis of 12 to 18 months. Fiona received the news just before her 61st birthday. "I'll never forget when she called us to come over so she could give the news to us in person," Jonny said. "She didn't tell us why, which made the wait really difficult. We sat down in the living room, and she told us she had cancer. "She stayed calm, but I could see the effort it took. We were all trying to come to terms with it, thinking about what the future might look like. "It hit me that there were things she might never get to see – weddings, grandchildren, all the moments you take for granted." (Image: Brain Tumour Research) Since her diagnosis, Fiona has completed radiotherapy and is currently on round five of six chemotherapy sessions, with treatment going as well as could be hoped. She has experienced fatigue, weight loss and reduced appetite, and has made significant changes to her diet after researching how sugar might fuel tumour growth. Initially on a mostly liquid diet, Fiona has now returned to eating more normally. She is also back to baking and cooking – activities she loves and that help lift her spirits. She often shares homemade food with Jonny and his sister when they visit. He has also taken over weekly agility classes with Pippa, helping maintain a routine that once brought his mum so much joy. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Jonny is now training for the Edinburgh Half Marathon in support of the new Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a collaboration between Brain Tumour Research and Beatson Cancer Charity. The centre, based in Glasgow and Edinburgh universities, is focusing on research into glioblastoma. Jonny said: "Before Mum's diagnosis, I had never even heard of glioblastoma. When I started reading about it, what shocked me most was how little funding it receives. "Just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research goes to brain tumours, even though they are one of the most aggressive and devastating forms of cancer. "That feels completely out of step with the impact they have on families like mine. "This isn't about finishing with a fast time. I'm doing it to raise money, to raise awareness, and to help make sure more people understand how overlooked brain tumours still are." Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Jonny's story is incredibly powerful. His love for his mum and his commitment to doing something practical and positive are truly inspiring. "We are proud to have him supporting our work and wish him every success with the Edinburgh Half Marathon." To support Jonny's fundraising challenge, click here.
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots mum told she has incurable brain cancer after GP said it didn't 'look like tumour'
Fiona Charles found out her symptoms were actually from an aggressive and incurable brain tumour. A Scots mum was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour after medics said a mass on her brain "doesn't look like tumour." After what experiencing hot flushes and a 'mini stroke', Fiona Charles from Aberdeen found out the symptoms were actually from an aggressive and incurable brain tumour. Now son, Jonny Charles, 29, is running 13.1 miles to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research, following his mum Fiona's shock diagnosis with glioblastoma in October 2024. Jonny told Aberdeen Live:"Mum would do anything for anyone. She gave up her teaching career to raise me, my brother Matthew and my sister Jennifer. "She was always active, playing golf, walking a lot, and taking part in agility competitions with our dog, Pippa. They've won so many rosettes that I don't think I could count them. "In mid-2024, mum started having these odd episodes where she'd suddenly feel hot and flustered, with her heart racing, and she would need to sip water to calm herself. "She also mentioned a strange smell in her nose, like burning food, but couldn't describe it properly. At first, we were worried her heart palpitations may be mini strokes that would lead to a major one, but we just weren't sure. "Eventually, my parents decided to go private for an MRI because we just weren't getting answers. That scan changed everything." Although a GP letter had initially reassured the family that the "small area of change at the front of the brain absolutely does not look like a brain tumour", they were not satisfied and pushed for further investigation, arranging a private MRI scan at Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen. The results revealed a mass in Fiona's brain. Further testing, including a biopsy, confirmed it was a glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and fast-growing forms of brain tumour, with a prognosis of 12 to 18 months. Fiona received the news just before her 61st birthday. "I'll never forget when she called us to come over so she could give the news to us in person," Jonny said. "She didn't tell us why, which made the wait really difficult. We sat down in the living room, and she told us she had cancer. "She stayed calm, but I could see the effort it took. We were all trying to come to terms with it, thinking about what the future might look like. "It hit me that there were things she might never get to see – weddings, grandchildren, all the moments you take for granted." Since her diagnosis, Fiona has completed radiotherapy and is currently on round five of six chemotherapy sessions, with treatment going as well as could be hoped. She has experienced fatigue, weight loss and reduced appetite, and has made significant changes to her diet after researching how sugar might fuel tumour growth. Initially on a mostly liquid diet, Fiona has now returned to eating more normally. She is also back to baking and cooking – activities she loves and that help lift her spirits. Jonny is now training for the Edinburgh Half Marathon in support of the new Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a collaboration between Brain Tumour Research and Beatson Cancer Charity. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The centre, based in Glasgow and Edinburgh universities, is focusing on research into glioblastoma . Jonny said: "Before Mum's diagnosis, I had never even heard of glioblastoma. When I started reading about it, what shocked me most was how little funding it receives. "Just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research goes to brain tumours, even though they are one of the most aggressive and devastating forms of cancer. "That feels completely out of step with the impact they have on families like mine. This isn't about finishing with a fast time. I'm doing it to raise money, to raise awareness, and to help make sure more people understand how overlooked brain tumours still are." Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Jonny's story is incredibly powerful. His love for his mum and his commitment to doing something practical and positive are truly inspiring. "We are proud to have him supporting our work and wish him every success with the Edinburgh Half Marathon." To support Jonny's fundraising challenge, click here.
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
My mum was told 'pressure' was an ear infection - it wasn't
Cate Jackson, 60, was initially told her headaches, fatigue and trouble balancing were due to an ear infection called labyrinthitis - but it was something far more sinister Former professional swimmer Cate Jackson's balance issues were initially dismissed as labyrinthitis, an ear infection, after she experienced headaches and fatigue. When antibiotics failed to make a difference, a revealing MRI scan in March 2023 diagnosed a meningioma brain tumour. The 60-year-old retired athlete underwent surgery to remove the tumour, followed by radiotherapy treatments. She continues to undergo regular scans to monitor her condition. Inspired by her mother's struggle, Cate's daughter Isobel Manna, a 26-year-old mental health support worker, ran 83.7km to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research. Isobel, from Welwyn, Hertfordshire, shared her concern: "Mum became drained of energy and said how it felt like she needed someone to drill into the side of her head to alleviate the pressure she felt. I studied the brain during my psychology degree at university and thought something more sinister could be to blame. Despite mum not wanting to make a fuss, I encouraged her to go back to the GP and my fears were realised." Cate, who competed internationally for Great Britain from 1981 to 1985 and currently represents Barnet Copthall Masters swimming team, first began noticing symptoms three years ago. It wasn't until the recent scan that her brain tumour was identified. Today, thanks to her treatment, Cate leads a normal life, albeit under careful medical watch. Isobel has lauded her mum's resilience in coping with cognitive issues after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, adding: "Mum has some trouble with her cognitive processing, but is living life as normal. Mum's brain tumour could be treated, but I know for some people this isn't the case. Brain Tumour Research is a cause I want to support so that more potential life-saving research can be carried out to keep families together." After surpassing her £1,000 fundraising target for Brain Tumour Research, Isobel tackled the challenging terrain of the Jurassic Coast on May 17, 2025, and although not completing the planned 100km, she said: "It was fantastic, but very different to running in the streets. I had planned to do the 100km distance, but had to withdraw before as I lost body heat and couldn't warm up and would've been too dangerous to continue. I'm so proud of myself for how far I ran, especially with the steep hills and drop." Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: "We're incredibly grateful to Isobel for sharing her mum's story and for taking on such a strenuous trekking challenge." He emphasised the indiscriminate nature of brain tumours, acknowledging their impact and appreciating Isobel's role in raising awareness and support for those affected by declaring, "Cate's story is a stark reminder that brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age and around 12,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour each year. We're grateful to Isobel for helping us shine a light on this devastating disease and supporting the brain tumour community."
Western Telegraph
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Tenby soap star takes on motorbike ride in memory of friend
Charles Dale, 62, known for his roles in Coronation Street and Casualty, was left heartbroken when his friend, Shaun Griffiths, 63, died after a fall down the stairs. Mr Griffiths' "silly" household accident in October last year caused a brain injury that led to his death. Mr Dale, who has also appeared in Emmerdale, Holby City, and The Bill, will now ride across Britain, visiting 100 motorcycle cafes in a sponsored ride. The month-long adventure, dubbed Shaun's TT One Hundred, will raise money for Brain Tumour Research and Headway. Mr Dale said: "Just over six months ago one of my oldest and best friends suffered a catastrophic brain injury because of what can only be described as a 'silly' household accident - he slipped on the stairs. "Unfortunately for Shaun this resulted in a bleed on the brain and just over a week later his family had to make the most difficult decision ever, to withdraw life support. "Shaun died shortly after. He was 63." Mr Dale, who now serves as deputy mayor of Tenby, has become an ambassador for Brain Tumour Research after witnessing the impact of brain tumours on friends and their families. He said: "Seeing the devastating impact brain tumours have had on my friends' lives has been awful - so I'm deeply honoured to become an ambassador for Brain Tumour Research, the leading voice of the brain tumour community and a cause that's very close to my heart." Dan Knowles, CEO of Brain Tumour Research, said: "We are deeply honoured to announce Charles as our new ambassador. "He has been a huge support to the charity, playing a key role in some of our biggest campaigns." Russell Marriott, director of income generation and development at Brain Tumour Research, said: "We are enormously grateful to Charles for his dedication in taking on this challenge to shine a light on Brain Tumour Research and Headway." Jen Murgatroyd, director of fundraising at Headway, said: "We're proud to join Brain Tumour Research in celebrating Charles' remarkable journey."
