Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page

In May this year, after of a series of bad headaches and a severe change in my eyesight I was sent for an MRI scan to understand if there was an underlying problem that could be causing these bizarre symptoms.

The scan revealed there was an issue and I was given the news that I had a brain tumour and I’d need to be referred straight away to the specialist Pineal Tumour Neurosurgeon at Salford Royal - Miss Karabatsou

After meeting with Miss Karabatsou it became apparent that there was a more pressing matter that required attention before getting to the tumour. Due to the build of fluid caused by the tumour I needed to have an emergency operation to relieve the pressure in my brain...this happened within 2 days of the meeting with the surgeon and so came as quite a shock...but if not carried out it immediately it could have very quickly been game over.

Fortunately for me, the operation was a great success and went as well as it possibly could have done - very lucky I know!

It was then confirmed that I had to prepare myself for a second operation...the removal of the tumour. This was going to be a big one. It was explained that the tumour itself was very rare...so rare there were only 64 previous cases reported in the world and although I had the best in the UK in terms of surgeon it was the first of its kind she’d come across! Quite a scary thing to be told...

Regardless of the rarity...the tumour needed to be removed

The operation went ahead 3 weeks later. 14 hours....an absolute mammoth operation. I did the easy bit...lay there...flat out...but can’t even begin to imagine what 1) my family had to endure on that day and 2) how those amazing surgeons got me through it.

Through some miracle I was awake as soon as I was taken in to recovery, talking, joking...trying to come to grips with the fact we’d apparently just lost to Belgium in the World Cup!

After only 4 days in hospital after the operation I was able to come home and progress with my recovery with those closest to me.

On returning to Salford to discuss the biopsy, I was told the operation was a huge success and they had managed to remove 70% of the tumour - the rest unfortunately couldn’t be touched due to it being attached to a vein on my brain stem. I’d therefore have to go through a course of radiotherapy at Christie’s to hopefully reduce what remained.

Having just finished 30 sessions of radiotherapy just last week, I’m now on the road to making a recovery and awaiting the results of how it’s reacted to the treatment given. The hope is that it has been reduced and can be kept dormant...fingers crossed aye?

Without the amazing work of Miss Karabatsou and her team I more than likely wouldn’t be here now...genuinely. Myself and family are so thankful, it’s not possible to put it in to words.

The work of everyone at salford Hospital didn’t go unnoticed, every single person there was unreal...and got me through some dark days. Their positivity in every aspect kept me positive and got me to where I am right at this moment.

So what could I do to show my thanks and appreciation for everything that’s been done for me by these amazing people? 

I’d like to raise as much money as I can for the hospital and knowing that my passion for a power ballad is echoed by all my family and friends it seems a perfect opportunity for an event to be held where we can raise a good amount of money for the hospital and have an amazing night singing and dancing our hearts out to the best songs ever made!

Get yourself ready for a fantastic night of fun!

The event is to take place at the village hotel in Cheadle on Friday 1st February 2019. Doors will open and power ballads will be blasted out from 7:30pm until 1am (the bar will be open until 2am). Please come early and enjoy the full night...get merry, pick up the inflatable guitars, sing your hearts out and if desired don’t be scared to don your 80s power ballad attire...you won’t be the only ones!

It’s going to be entry by ticket only, they’ll be collected on the door to gain entry. There’s a minimum donation of £10 per ticket required - if I can ask that in order to secure a ticket, that you donate directly on here, leaving your name and I’ll ensure a ticket is given/sent to you. If you want more than 1 ticket, just add the name of those you’re also purchasing for and I’ll ensure you get the required amount of tickets! (If you’re buying 2 for example minimum donation would be £20 - £10 per ticket). The number of tickets are limited so be quick to snap up!

Thanks so much for all of your support over the last few months, the messages, the visits, everything...it’s been so overwhelming and hugely appreciated!! I really hope to see you on the night 😀 🎸 🎤👩🏻‍🎤👨🏻‍🎤

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.