Latest news with #BrainTumourResearchCharity
South Wales Argus
17-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Abergavenny weightlifter ignored signs of brain tumour
Scott Hinch, 31, led a fit and active lifestyle and - despite "experiencing a few headaches and nosebleeds" - had no significant health problems. But on his way to work on August 19, 2019, he suffered a seizure and was rushed to Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales. He was put in an induced four-day coma and, after waking up, an MRI revealed a grade 2 astrocytoma - a type of tumour that usually develops in the brain or spinal cord - and he was given three to five years to live. Scott before his diagnosis. A fit mountain climber was diagnosed with cancer after experiencing a seizure - despite ignoring headaches and nosebleeds, he now believes to have been warning signs. (Image: Brain Tumour Research Charity / SWNS) On September 4, Scott underwent emergency surgery to partially remove the tumour and started his first round of treatment to keep the cancer at bay - which will entail seven weeks of radiotherapy and 12 cycles of chemotherapy. But despite its initial success, Scott's cancer returned two years later, at the end of 2023, and he began his second round of treatment - which involved 20 months' worth of intensive chemotherapy, condensed into 10. He is now undergoing his third round of treatment for his tumour and says he suffers from "relentless fatigue" and that he is "dependent" on his mum, Fiona Lott, 51, because he "can't leave the house most days". Scott before his diagnosis. Now his mum is his full time carer (Image: Brain Tumour Research Charity / SWNS) Scott, who worked as a solar engineer from Abergavenny, Wales, said: "Looking back, I now realise there were signs. "Headaches, nosebleeds, things I chalked up to long work hours. "Maybe heavy training at the gym and not drinking enough water. "I even went to the opticians, but nothing was picked up. "Most days, I can't leave the house. "But I'm still here, and that's something I'm grateful for." Scott was diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma after suffering a seizure on his way to work on August 19, 2019, despite experiencing "headaches and nosebleeds" in the months prior. Although the general prognosis is good, and those with grade 1 have a 96 per cent chance of survival after five years, it can decrease to below 30 per cent for those with grade 3 or higher. Scott woke from a four-day coma induced coma - after 45 minutes of continuous seizures - when a consultant told him the "devastating" news that he had three to five years to live. "I had no memory of anything since leaving the house," he said. "I had four days completely missing, I remember setting off for work and then waking up in the hospital with doctors and nurses over my bed. "It was frightening. "I was shocked and scared and didn't know what was going on.' The consultant at the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff, Wales, explained to Scott and his family that due to the tumour's diffused nature, only part of it could be safely removed - called debulking - which happened on September 4. "I was terrified," Scott said. "But I woke up a couple of hours later, cracked a joke, and asked for a cup of tea. "It was a relief to know my brain function was intact." After the surgery, Scott went through 16 "gruelling" months of therapy - including seven weeks of radiotherapy and 12 cycles of chemotherapy - which had kept things stable for two years. But a routine scan towards the end of 2023 revealed the tumour was active again and Scott started his second round of treatment with intensive chemotherapy - with no success in curing the cancer. "I take it one month at a time," he said. "The fatigue is relentless and most days I can't leave the house." His mum, Fiona, became his full-time carer and was "dependent on her" for everything. During this time, the 31-year-old had lost his driving license as a result of his seizures and sold his car. "I felt like losing my independence," he said. "I couldn't visit friends, and the risk of infection meant limited visitors. "I felt incredibly isolated." Scott during his treatment for a brain tumour (Image: Brain Tumour Research Charity / SWNS) Five years later, Scott is still battling cancer and is now undergoing his third round of treatment. But he remains determined. "I'm still here, and that's something I'm grateful for," he said. To help raise awareness, his mum, Fiona, and auntie, Lyndsey, are taking on the 200k in May Your Way challenge to raise money for the Brain Tumour Research Charity. Fiona said: "Watching my son go through the trauma of surgery and three rounds of treatment for brain cancer has been heartbreaking. "No family should have to experience the fear, uncertainty and pain that we have. "We need better outcomes, kinder treatments, and ultimately a cure. "If our efforts can help spare just one family from this suffering, then every step will be worth it.' To support Fiona and Lyndsey's 200k In May Your Way challenge, visit:
Wales Online
16-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Man given 5 years to live after headaches and nosebleeds caused by brain 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 weightlifter was left "terrified" after symptoms he initially dismissed were diagnosed as a potentially fatal cancer. Scott Hinch, now 31, faced a grim prognosis of three to five years to live after the discovery of a brain tumour. Despite leading a healthy and active life, Scott, from Abergavenny, experienced headaches and nosebleeds which he attributed to his demanding job and intense workouts. The former solar engineer said: "Looking back, I now realise there were signs. Headaches, nosebleeds, things I chalked up to long work hours. "Maybe heavy training at the gym and not drinking enough water. I even went to the opticians, but nothing was picked up." (Image: Brain Tumour Research Charity© SWNS) His life took a dramatic turn on August 19, 2019, when he had a seizure en route to work, resulting in him being placed into an induced coma for four days. Upon regaining consciousness, an MRI scan uncovered a grade 2 astrocytoma, a tumour typically found in the brain or spinal cord. Scott was then confronted with the "devastating" news about his life expectancy. He recounted: "I had no memory of anything since leaving the house. "I had four days completely missing, I remember setting off for work and then waking up in the hospital with doctors and nurses over my bed. It was frightening. I was shocked and scared and didn't know what was going on." (Image: Brain Tumour Research Charity© SWNS) A consultant at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff described to Scott and his relatives how, due to the tumour's widespread character, only a portion could be removed via a technique known as debulking. This operation was carried out on September 4. "I was terrified," recounted Scott. "But I woke up a couple of hours later, cracked a joke, and asked for a cup of tea. It was a relief to know my brain function was intact." Post-surgery, Scott endured 16 difficult months of therapy, which included a relentless seven weeks of radiotherapy followed by 12 rounds of chemotherapy, managing to keep his condition stable for two years. Yet, towards the end of 2023, a routine examination showed that the tumour had reactivated, leading Scott to commence another round of vehement chemotherapy, which unfortunately did not succeed in eradicating the cancer. (Image: Brain Tumour Research Charity© SWNS) "I take it one month at a time," he declared. "The fatigue is relentless and most days I can't leave the house." Scott's mother Fiona stepped into the role of his full-time carer and he grew "dependent on her" for all his needs. His illness led to the loss of his driver's licence due to seizures, compelling him to sell his car. He said: "I felt like losing my independence. I couldn't visit friends, and the risk of infection meant limited visitors. I felt incredibly isolated." After five years, Scott continues his fight against cancer, currently undergoing his third course of treatment. Despite the challenges, his determination shines through. "I'm still here, and that's something I'm grateful for," he expressed. Fiona and her sister-in-law Lyndsey are embarking on the 200k in May Your Way challenge to bolster support and raise critical funds for Brain Tumour Research. Fiona, 51, said: "Watching my son go through the trauma of surgery and three rounds of treatment for brain cancer has been heartbreaking. No family should have to experience the fear, uncertainty and pain that we have." She added: "We need better outcomes, kinder treatments, and ultimately a cure. If our efforts can help spare just one family from this suffering, then every step will be worth it." To back Fiona and Lyndsey's 200k In May Your Way effort, supporters can contribute at (Image: Brain Tumour Research Charity© SWNS) Astrocytoma s ymptoms When it comes to symptoms, the Brain Tumour Charity outlines that the manifestations of an astrocytoma can significantly differ from one individual to the next. Such tumours develop from crucial brain cells that manage information processing, affecting the functions in their area of growth within the brain. It says: "Some of these tumours grow in the cerebellum, which controls balance," plus, "They can also occur in the optic pathways, which are involved in sight. So, symptoms can be very different between people affected by these tumours." Nevertheless, some symptoms of astrocytomas may include: Persistent headaches Speech difficulties Vision changes, including double vision or blurriness Cognitive challenges, impacting thinking or memory Seizures, often indicative of epilepsy The typical survival duration for an adult with a grade 1 or 2 astrocytoma post-surgery is six to eight years. Over 40 per cent of individuals live beyond 10 years. The average survival period for a grade 4 astrocytoma is merely 12 to 18 months. A mere 25 per cent of individuals with a grade 4 astrocytoma survive beyond one year, and only five per cent live longer than five years.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mom of 2 Who Died of Terminal Brain Tumor ‘Worked Incredibly Hard to Help Prepare' Her Children After Diagnosis
Charlotte Coxon's family is raising money for brain tumor research after she died from the terminal illness on July 9, 2024 A U.K. mom of two was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor shortly after she developed migraines and other cognitive struggles Although treatment kept the symptoms at bay, Charlotte Coxon died three years after she was diagnosed with glioblastoma Her husband, Johnny, says Charlotte worked hard to prepare their young children, explaining, 'She had a deep understanding of grief' A mom of two's final act was to 'work incredibly hard to help prepare' her young children for life without her, following her devastating and sudden terminal cancer diagnosis. Charlotte Coxon began experiencing a puzzling mix of symptoms at the end of 2021 — severe headaches along with trouble writing and driving, her husband, Johnny, told The Daily Mail. ADVERTISEMENT Coxon, who hailed from the English county of Leicestershire, sought medical care in January 2022. Doctors diagnosed her with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer with 'no cure,' the Mayo Clinic explains. Brain Tumour Research Charity / SWNS (Clockwise from left:) Charlotte, Johnny, Thomas, and Anna Coxon. Treatment, Johnny said, was surgery to remove the initial tumor, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. 'We'd hoped that removing the tumor would solve all our problems,' Johnny, 39, told the outlet. 'Charlotte wanted to keep active despite everything she was going through,' he said. She decided to focus heavily on helping the local community, supporting our son's school on class trips, and as an active volunteer, to raise funds for their child's school. At first, the treatment seemed to be working, Johnny said. 'Until 2024, she didn't show any significant new symptoms,' he explained. 'So we made the most of that time, going on holidays as a family, and Charlotte spent as much quality time with the children as possible.' Brain Tumour Research Charity / SWNS (Clockwise from left:) Thomas, Charlotte, Anna, and Johnny Coxon. But it all changed in March when scans showed that Charlotte's tumor had grown. ADVERTISEMENT 'Charlotte worked incredibly hard to help prepare our children for what was to come,' Johnny said. 'She had a deep understanding of grief and made every effort to ensure the children, Thomas and Anna, then 6 and 3, would feel supported.' That July, Charlotte was hospitalized after waking up with a debilitating migraine. She never returned home. On July 9, Charlotte died at age 39, surrounded by her family. As Thomas told the outlet, the children 'miss their mum deeply and often talk about her, but they're coping remarkably well.' Brain Tumour Research Charity / SWNS Charlotte Coxon died three years after her terminal brain cancer diagnosis. 'I know Charlotte would be relieved to see how they're handling everything; she would be so proud of their strength,' said Thomas, who is raising money in his late wife's name for Brain Tumour Research. As he explains, they want to 'find a cure for the disease that took Charlotte from us.' 'It's been incredibly tough for us since Charlotte's passing,' he said. 'She was a fantastic mum and always full of laughter. She had so many friends and was just a wonderful, warm presence.' ADVERTISEMENT Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mom of 2 Who Died of Terminal Brain Tumor ‘Worked Incredibly Hard to Help Prepare' Her Children After Diagnosis
A U.K. mom of two was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor shortly after she developed migraines and other cognitive struggles Although treatment kept the symptoms at bay, Charlotte Coxon died three years after she was diagnosed with glioblastoma Her husband, Johnny, says Charlotte worked hard to prepare their young children, explaining, 'She had a deep understanding of grief' A mom of two's final act was to 'work incredibly hard to help prepare' her young children for life without her, following her devastating and sudden terminal cancer diagnosis. Charlotte Coxon began experiencing a puzzling mix of symptoms at the end of 2021 — severe headaches along with trouble writing and driving, her husband, Johnny, told The Daily Mail. Coxon, who hailed from the English county of Leicestershire, sought medical care in January 2022. Doctors diagnosed her with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer with 'no cure,' the Mayo Clinic explains. Brain Tumour Research Charity / SWNS (Clockwise from left:) Charlotte, Johnny, Thomas, and Anna Coxon. (Clockwise from left:) Charlotte, Johnny, Thomas, and Anna Coxon. Treatment, Johnny said, was surgery to remove the initial tumor, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. 'We'd hoped that removing the tumor would solve all our problems,' Johnny, 39, told the outlet. 'Charlotte wanted to keep active despite everything she was going through,' he said. She decided to focus heavily on helping the local community, supporting our son's school on class trips, and as an active volunteer, to raise funds for their child's school. At first, the treatment seemed to be working, Johnny said. 'Until 2024, she didn't show any significant new symptoms,' he explained. 'So we made the most of that time, going on holidays as a family, and Charlotte spent as much quality time with the children as possible.' Brain Tumour Research Charity / SWNS (Clockwise from left:) Thomas, Charlotte, Anna, and Johnny Coxon. (Clockwise from left:) Thomas, Charlotte, Anna, and Johnny Coxon. But it all changed in March when scans showed that Charlotte's tumor had grown. 'Charlotte worked incredibly hard to help prepare our children for what was to come,' Johnny said. 'She had a deep understanding of grief and made every effort to ensure the children, Thomas and Anna, then 6 and 3, would feel supported.' That July, Charlotte was hospitalized after waking up with a debilitating migraine. She never returned home. On July 9, Charlotte died at age 39, surrounded by her family. As Thomas told the outlet, the children 'miss their mum deeply and often talk about her, but they're coping remarkably well.' Brain Tumour Research Charity / SWNS Charlotte Coxon died three years after her terminal brain cancer diagnosis. Charlotte Coxon died three years after her terminal brain cancer diagnosis. 'I know Charlotte would be relieved to see how they're handling everything; she would be so proud of their strength,' said Thomas, who is raising money in his late wife's name for Brain Tumour Research. As he explains, they want to 'find a cure for the disease that took Charlotte from us.' 'It's been incredibly tough for us since Charlotte's passing,' he said. 'She was a fantastic mum and always full of laughter. She had so many friends and was just a wonderful, warm presence.' Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Read the original article on People
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Teen drank five litres of water a day before devastating diagnosis
Alissa Bowman would 'relentlessly' drink water, day and night A teenager was so thirsty she was drinking up to five litres of water every day, only to find out her symptom was due to a rare hidden brain tumour. Alissa Bowman, now 17, started experiencing "extreme thirst" back in June 2023, resulting in her "relentlessly" necking water, day and night. It quickly escalated from having around two litres a day to then downing more than double the recommended amount. However, it would be gallons of water later, and the teen still felt unable to quench her thirst. Initially thinking it might be due to onset diabetes, Alissa's mum Fran, aged 49, took her to their local GP in Leeds and carried out a series of blood tests. Unfortunately, the blood test failed to identify the cause and left them with no answer. However, later on that same year, Alissa's symptoms continued to worsen, to the point where she felt "constantly exhausted" with little to no appetite. In October 2023, the suffering teenager was even placed on a rehydration drip while holidaying in Thailand because of her severe dehydration. By December, she was unable to get out of bed because her body was completely undernourished. Alissa was admitted to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on December 22, where an MRI scan revealed a cancerous brain tumour, one that doctors couldn't even name. With no knowledge, this tumour had been affecting the function of her pituitary gland, which produces hormones that regulate growth, metabolism and reproduction. Fran said: "It was awful news to hear, and my heart just dropped for Alissa – she was strong beyond her years. But medics didn't know what type of tumour she had, and so they had to try and figure that out before they gave her a prognosis." Despite further tests and biopsies, medics were unable to diagnose the type of brain tumour Alissa had, and months later she began chemotherapy in a fight to get rid of it for good. Specialists told the teen her tumour was so rare she was the first person in the world with it. She went on to successfully complete six rounds of chemo, and by November 2024, her tumour had shrunk by an impressive 90 per cent. Her mum Fran said, "Alissa's constant thirst sent alarm bells ringing. I thought it might be type 2 diabetes, but medics ruled that out. When the doctor said it was a brain tumour, we couldn't believe it." Due to its rarity, Alissa's case is being presented to a national panel to try to determine the name and nature of her tumour, and she has also been enrolled in a research project in Newcastle to study it further. "It's been the hardest couple of years of our lives," her mum shared. "But Alissa is a tough cookie. She is the bravest, most inspirational person I know. I'm in awe of her bravery." Fran has set out to run the London Marathon on Sunday 27 April to raise funds for the Brain Tumour Research Charity and has already raised more than £21,000. "That's why I set myself the challenge of the London Marathon," her mum explained. "She's been through so much; now it's my time to be challenged. I'm proud to be running for the Brain Tumour Research Charity so they can continue to help families like us." Fran said: "I'm nervous about the run, but I'm also excited and honoured to be running for such a good cause. I'm running for my superstar Alissa, but for anyone who needs or will need the Brain Tumour Charity. I had no idea how important the research they do is – Alissa's story has shown me how vital it is. Alissa's fighting spirit makes her so very special." Pascale Harvie, President and General Manager of JustGiving, said: "Fran's fundraiser is an incredible tribute to her daughter Alissa's ongoing strength and determination. By taking on the London Marathon, Fran has already raised an incredible £21k for The Brain Tumour Charity, and we at JustGiving cannot applaud her enough."
