On 31st August 2016 our mum was admitted to Leighton Hospital with what we first thought were symptoms of a change in her thyroid medication. After a number of tests and the return of scan results we soon found the cause was in fact a lesion on her brain. She was quickly referred to U.H.N.M (University Hospital of North Midlands) and was moved to the Neurosurgery ward 228.

“Neurosurgery is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders which affect any portion of the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system.”

This as you would expect was a huge blow to the family and everybody who knows mum. We were quickly reassured she was in the best place possible by the excellence of care given on admittance. After further tests, nervy days and various scans the information was gathered and collectively the decision was made to operate as soon as possible. 

The first opportunity to operate was 12th September 2016, as with all major surgery the risks are high but this was multiplied with blood clots on mum’s lungs which had developed when she fell ill. The initial plan for surgery was to take a biopsy and the operation was scheduled for 2/3hours. After countless of laps of the hospital, endless cups of tea, a number of table tennis rallies, impromptu entry to the Edinburgh Marathon shortly followed by the girls entering Edinburgh Half and nearly 9 hours later we heard the good news that mum was now on her way to ICU for recovery. On our way to ICU Mr Gkolemis (mums surgeon), took the time to explain and reassure us (dad, Owen, Lloyd and Ryan) that surgery went really well. 4 grown men quickly become his No.1 fans and we cannot thank him enough. After what seemed the longest recorded day on earth for us all, we finally got to see mum and considering what she had just been through mum’s strength, grit and sheer determination to keep it together for us 4 was nothing but phenomenal. She even had us laughing within a matter of seconds 

After a relatively short period in ICU mum was then transferred back up to ward 228 where she could begin her rehabilitation. She was back with familiar friendly faces, this boosted her confidence and she was determined to get back up and about as soon as she physically could. With daily visits, the progression was unbelievable to see which led up to her being able to come home on 26.09.2016

Although surgery went well there was still parts of the lesion that could not be removed due to its location and depth, therefore mum was scheduled for a full course of radiotherapy coupled with non invasive chemotherapy running up to Christmas which finished 23.12.2016. This allowed us all to spend Christmas and the holidays together and more importantly mums 60th in early January.

18.01.2017 we received the unfortunate news that the biopsy results had now classified the lesion at a higher grade from a 3 to 4.

All in all, the outstanding level of support and care mum has received from the U.H.N.M, we would like to try and give something back :-) Currently the list of events are as per below but this is likely to grow:

- Cancer Research UK Manchester Winter Run 10K - 12.02.2017

- Great North West Half Marathon held in Blackpool - 19.02.2017

- Resolution Run Delamere 2017 15K - 12.03.2017

- Stafford Half Marathon - 19.03.2017

- Edinburgh Marathon Festival - 28.05.2017