Latest news with #BrainTumourResearch
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Mum's devastating brain tumour diagnosis after dismissing major symptom
Susan Rowlett, from Dorking, Surrey, experienced leg pain and weakness for more than 10 months - and was rocked when she was diagnosed with a meningioma, a brain tumour A mum was diagnosed with a brain tumour after a key symptom was initially dismissed. When Susan Rowlett saw her GP about her leg pain, testing and an MRI scan showed everything was normal. She was given squats and lunge exercises but when her aches didn't go away, she went for another MRI 10 months later. And the 63-year-old woman, from Dorking, Surrey, was stunned to find out she a " golf ball-sized tumour". Susan was diagnosed with a meningioma, and had a seven-hour operation to get the brain tumour removed. Her experience comes after a man, 30, put shoulder pain down to gym aches - and then doctors asked where he'd like to die. But Susan was fortunate her tumour was spotted in time for the surgery, and she now just needs two yearly scans to monitor this. However, her mobility is still affected and the mother of two uses a walker to get around, and has had several falls since the operation. Speaking today from her home in Dorking, Susan said: "I had various tests on my legs which came back normal, and I was sent for an MRI scan. A tumour was never on my radar so when they told me the golf ball sized growth on my brain that I could've been born with it, I was in disbelief." Susan started getting leg pain during lockdown and went to the doctors in September 2020. Testing showed nothing was wrong but she was given exercises to do to try and help with her pain. But when this didn't improve, she went for an MRI at a private hospital and was diagnosed in July 2021. The mum of two said: "I was in good health when I was diagnosed, it came completely out of the blue. I often think of popstar, Tom Parker, who was diagnosed with an aggressive tumour around the same time as me. "He was young, famous, had his whole life ahead of him, but this disease doesn't care who you are. Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age. And now even Davina has shared her diagnosis. It's far more common than people realise, and yet research remains hugely underfunded." Susan's daughter, Lindsay Rowlatt, 34, raised almost £700 for the charity by taking part in 200k in May Your Way for Brain Tumour Research. Susan said: "Brain Tumour Research is a cause close to my heart. I'm incredibly proud of Lindsay and everything she's doing to raise awareness. Until you or someone you love is affected, you don't realise how little progress has been made in treating this disease. That must change. "By sharing my story, I hope to inspire change and highlight the urgent need for more research, so that fewer families face this heartbreak." Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, commended Susan by saying: "We're grateful to Susan for sharing her story. One in three people knows someone affected by a brain tumour and there are more than 100 different types of brain tumour, making them notoriously difficult to find effective treatments for. "Susan is helping to shine a light on brain tumours. We're so grateful to have her and her family's support and together we will find a cure for all types of brain tumours."
Powys County Times
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Community 'Have a Go Show' to return to Groeslwyd this month
The Guilsfield Show, affectionately known as the 'Have a Go Show,' is set to return to Groeslwyd this month Set to take place at Fron-Y-Fele Field on Thursday, August 14, the show is offering a programme of entertainment, competitions, and family-friendly activities. The community-run event features sections for horses, dogs, horticulture, cookery, photography, floristry, arts and crafts, and more. Guy Ennever, show chairman, said: "We like to keep things simple and affordable for everyone — after all, Guilsfield Show is all the community coming together to enjoy a great day out. "Your ticket includes entry to all the fun of the show — from livestock classes and competitions to exhibitions, entertainment, and more. "If you're entering any classes, there's no extra charge — it's all included in the price of your ticket. "Just remember to get your entry forms in on time. "Whether you're a regular or it's your first time visiting, we can't wait to welcome you." Organisers of the show are keen for as many people as possible to 'have a go' so there will be no entry fee to any of the individual classes, except for the horse section where each competitor will pay £5 to cover their entry to as many horse classes that they wish to enter, excluding show jumping and working hunter. The main ring will offer entertainment all day, including children's races in the afternoon. A live music event is scheduled for the evening, encouraging visitors to stay and enjoy performances in an open-air setting. This year's show president is Alexander Trevor, who grew up at Trawscoed Hall in Guilsfield and recently returned to the area after working away for 10 years. Mr Ennever said: "The show committee was delighted when Alexander accepted the invitation to be our 2025 show president." Entry to the show is £10 for adults and £5 for children, with a family ticket (two adults and two children) available for £20. For those who wish to attend only the live music and bar from 3.30pm to 7pm, a separate ticket is available for £5. Mr Ennever said: "Guilsfield Show is self-funding and relies on enormous support of our local community, show-goers and sponsors, but in addition we aim to raise money for charitable causes. "This year, our show president, Alexander Trevor, has chosen Wales Air Ambulance and Guilsfield School PTA as the show charities. "Last year, our 2024 show presidents Sue and Lloyd Charmley nominated Brain Tumour Research and Lingen Davies Cancer Fund as their chosen charities. "Following the show, a £1,500 donation was made to each. "A donation was also made on behalf of the dog show to Guilsfield Church to fund their community projects." Other events linked to the show include a charity lunch in the main marquee on August 10, the Guilsfield Trail Run from the Village Green on August 13, and a tractor run on September 14.
Daily Mirror
02-08-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'People thought I was drunk on my commute - the truth was far more sinister'
When John Starns suddenly felt unwell and had to get off his train in Sevenoaks, Kent, commuters believed he was drunk but the slump and sweats were signs of cancer Commuters thought a man who was slumped on a bench at a train station was drunk - but his state was actually the first signs of a brain tumour. Following the episode, John Starns, 63, saw his doctor ,who initially told the man had vertigo and his distressing diagnosis wasn't for a further three months. MRI scan showed the vestibular schwannoma brain mass, which was benign, and so John now must have scans every two years to monitor. John suddenly felt unwell on his commute for central London and so he got off the train at Sevenoaks, Kent, where other passengers assumed he was drunk. John, who is a freelance photographer, was slumped and sweating on a bench for two hours at the station. His experience comes after a doctor had a dire warning to people who drink even a "single cup of tea" each day. Recalling the train journey, John, who is from Sutton Valence, Kent, said today: "It felt as though I was having a panic attack. I was disorientated and it became difficult to walk. I found a bench and sat there for two hours, alone. "No one approached me, I suspect because they thought I was drunk. It was a scary process, the MRI and hearing the words brain tumour, but I will never forget the emotional release when the nurse told me my tumour was benign." The commute - the first signs of any illness - happened in February 2022. John was eventually diagnosed with the cancer later that year but the tumour is stable. He said: "So far, scans have showed my tumour as stable, and I barely suffer with any side effects. I am one of the lucky ones, but this isn't about me." John, a keen cyclist, is now passionate about fundraising and is supporting with Brain Tumour Research. He is gearing up for Cycle 274 Miles in August, a month-long fundraiser. He said: "I'm committing to this cycle challenge to raise awareness of the disease and the desperate inadequacies that currently exist in the historic underfunding of brain tumours compared to other cancers. "I cycle up to 20 miles a day, so I'll have no problems reaching the 274-mile target. My story could have ended differently. That's the reality for others. My hope is that by supporting Brain Tumour Research, more people will benefit from the advances in research."## Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "John's story is not uncommon, brain tumours are indiscriminate and can affect anyone at any age. "One in three people in the UK knows someone affected by a brain tumour but Brain Tumour Research is working to change this. It's with the support of people like John who will help us drive investment towards research into brain tumours. Good luck John."
Daily Mirror
01-08-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Father-of-two 'smelled like bleach' before 'dark shadow' was found on his brain
Sam Suriakumar was in his bathroom when the smell of a cleaning agent 'almost filled up (his) mouth' A father-of-two who received a diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumour after noticing the smell of bleach has urged others in similar situations to 'hold on to hope and positivity in whatever way you can'. Sam Suriakumar, 40, was in his bathroom one day in February 2020 when the unusual scent of a cleaning product 'almost filled up (his) mouth', leaving him feeling lightheaded. Initially assuming his wife Sindhu had recently been cleaning, Sam dismissed the symptom as likely nothing. But when the keen fitness enthusiast attended his gym session the next day, the peculiar odour and wooziness returned. During his homeward journey, Sam, a Worcester Park resident, suffered a 'massive grand mal seizure' whilst travelling on the London Underground. Emergency services transported him to the hospital for examination, where medics identified a 'large shadow' on the left side of his brain. He was later diagnosed with a brain tumour on February 4, 2020. "The smell of ammonia, bleach or some sort of cleaning agent was almost filling up my mouth, it was really strong," he said. "I felt like I needed to lean against the wall and use the radiator to stand, I felt very strange." Looking back on his seizure, Sam then added: "I closed my eyes and it felt like half an hour went by, but we had only moved one stop...I'd seized up so bad that I dislocated my shoulder." Whilst the mass remained stable for around two years, Sam received the heartbreaking news in 2023 that it had grown towards the front of his brain. The tumour's location in areas crucial for speech, memory, and movement renders surgical intervention nearly impossible. So, Sam instead underwent 30 sessions of radiotherapy and nine months of chemotherapy to try to halt its growth. His tumour is now in a monitoring phase, and Sam will have scans every six months to better understand the impacts of the treatment. On July 26, Sam celebrated his 40th birthday, a milestone he didn't think he would reach. He has tried to turn his situation into 'something positive', aiming to encourage and inspire others. "I'm trying to use my experience to inspire people and turn this into something positive, rather than letting it define me as this poor guy with a sad story," Sam told PA Real Life. "I want to provide encouragement and inspiration to others, in that we can fight and we don't have to let it define us. "Hold on to hope and positivity in whatever way you can." In 2023, Sam participated in the London Marathon to fundraise for Brain Tumour Research, and through various initiatives, he has raised approximately £60,000 for charity thus far. To further spread awareness, he took on the role of a supporter ambassador for Brain Tumour Research in 2023, which led him to engage in public speaking and recount his personal experiences. For others in his situation, Sam said he would send them a 'massive hug'. "Your brain talks to every single part of your body and it's so important to have a positive mindset," he said. "It's not going to come every single day, but try to find those things that inspire and encourage you to help you move forward."
Daily Record
01-08-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots doctor detected own brain tumour as symptoms kicked in on family holiday
Dr Jo Duncan recognised her symptoms and sought urgent medical help. An Edinburgh GP was given a devastating diagnosis after recognising her own symptoms and seeking urgent medical care. Dr Jo Duncan, a full-time GP for 26 years, travelled to Sydney in April last year to see her daughter Maisie at the end of a gap year. But after arriving, the 51-year-old started experiencing concerning symptoms, including persistent fatigue, unsteadiness, and dizziness, reports Edinburgh Live. Jo initially put the symptoms down down to jet lag but her clinical background pushed her to seek urgent medical advice. The mum was admitted to Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on April 28, where an MRI revealed a brain tumour in her cerebellum. Daughter Maisie, 19, said: 'My mum is the most determined and caring person I know. She has always been the rock of our family – someone who's active, strong-minded and endlessly supportive. 'When we were in Sydney, she just wasn't herself. She was tired all the time, losing her balance, and struggling in ways I had never seen before. She knew straight away that something was wrong. Her instincts as a doctor and her ability to advocate for herself were the reason we got answers so quickly. I really believe that saved her life.' On May 1 2024, Jo underwent emergency surgery. Although the tumour was confirmed to be low-grade, it had caused significant pressure on her brain, leading to long-term complications. The operation was a success, but her recovery has been difficult. She was left with right-sided facial palsy, hearing loss in one ear, impaired balance, cognitive difficulties and swallowing problems. Jo returned to Scotland at the end of May 2024. The emotional and physical toll was evident, as she adjusted to the new challenges brought on by her diagnosis. 'It was heartbreaking to see someone so vibrant and independent suddenly struggling with basic things like walking, eating and even smiling,' said Maisie. 'Mum became very low after she came home, which was really hard for us to see. But despite everything, she's been rebuilding her strength day by day. "She's back to doing things she loves, like baking and pottering around the house. It means so much to see her slowly getting her confidence back.' In honour of her mum and to support others affected by brain tumours, Maisie recently completed the Edinburgh Half Marathon, raising funds for Brain Tumour Research – the only national charity focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours. She trained while completing her first year of a multimedia journalism degree at Glasgow Caledonian University and coaching gymnastics part-time. On the race day in May, Maisie ran the entire 13.1 miles without stopping and raised over £1,380 for the charity. Maisie said: 'Before this happened, I didn't know much about brain tumours but I was shocked to learn just how underfunded research into this disease is. That just doesn't feel right so I chose to support this charity because I want to help change that statistic. "The charity is funding vital work, including the Centre of Excellence, which could be life-changing for families like mine. 'Running in Mum's honour was emotional and the atmosphere on the day was incredible. Completing this race wasn't just about the distance but about being part of something that could lead to real change. Seeing my mum at the finish line was one of the proudest moments of my life. She told me she was so, so proud, and I'll never forget that. 'Mum was still working full time as a GP when she became ill, after 26 years in the role. She's now in the process of seeking medical retirement, which shows just how much her life has changed in such a short space of time." Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: 'Maisie's story is incredibly moving. Her decision to take on this challenge in honour of her mum, Jo, and to raise vital awareness of brain tumours, shows real strength and compassion. Jo's experience highlights how indiscriminate and life-changing this disease can be. We're honoured to have Maisie's support, and the money she's raised will help fund the pioneering work taking place at our new Centre of Excellence in Scotland. Every step she ran and every pound she raised brings us closer to better outcomes for patients and, ultimately, a cure.'
