In July 2022, when I was 35 weeks pregnant, it was discovered I had a brain tumour and severe hydrocephalus. I was taken to The Royal Hallamshire Hospital where they performed an emergency operation to relieve the pressure on my brain with a drain. A few days later I was taken to have a Caesarian section where my daughter was delivered at 35 weeks. After a few days, I then underwent a lengthy brain surgery to remove the tumour. The biopsy revealed the tumour was a benign grade 1 pilocystic astrocytoma.

I then had a follow up scan in December which showed some residual tumour. I underwent a second elective surgery in April 23 to remove this.

After suffering with headaches for almost my entire pregnancy, I knew something wasn’t right but not in a million years did I expect to have a brain tumour. It was an incredibly tough journey whilst trying to navigate being a new mother. Despite this, I feel extremely lucky that it was a less aggressive benign tumour and I’m still here today; with a few scars hidden under my hair.

As well as my personal experience, I have also spent the first 5 years of my career as a nurse caring for children with brain tumour diagnosis’. I have seen how a single diagnosis can devastate families but also bring out the strongest little hero’s I’ll ever have the pleasure to know.

My story is incredibly ironic and crazy to even tell now. I knew I wanted to do something to celebrate being alive. I always wanted to do a skydive but with a fear of heights, have never plucked up the courage. In August 2022, I almost missed the chance so I have chosen to make the plunge (quite literally), to raise money for this incredible charity. One day, hopefully no one will have to hear those words.

Thank you for reading my story.

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we're moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour.

We're set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And we're doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can't wait.