In January, 51-year-old Mark Barrow from Stoke-on-Trent, sat on his glasses and broke them, a seemingly minor event that would change his life forever.
After heading to the opticians for a routine test and a new pair, he was told to see his GP because it looked like he had high blood pressure.
Weeks later, he suffered a dizzy spell while driving home from work, and was sent to the Royal Stoke Hospital.
Three MRI scans later, he was told he had a brain tumour.
“The first MRI revealed some shadowing on my brain,” he said.
“They sent me for more scans and finally told me I’d had a mini-stroke, high blood pressure, and that they’d found a growth.
“Because it was small, surgery wasn’t needed, but I was told I’d need regular monitoring.”
He said the growth, a glioma, was a shock, as he had never had a day off sick, or even been to the hospital before.
“It didn’t sink in,” said Mr Barrow.
“I’ve always been fit and healthy, I hadn’t even been to the doctor since I was 16.
“Even now, it still feels surreal – if I hadn’t broken my glasses – I might never have known about the tumour until it was too late.”
According to charity Brain Tumour Research, brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, and more men under 75 than prostate cancer.
Mr Barrow has had follow-up MRI scans, with no tumour growth so far, and will take part in the charity’s 99 Miles in November challenge – where participants raise money by clocking up miles doing things like walking, swimming, cycling or running.
“Some days I feel angry, and others I’m optimistic,” he said.
“I know I’ve been lucky so far, I’ve had no symptoms, no mobility or speech problems, and life has carried on as normal.
“That’s why I want to do something positive, to help others going through this awful journey.”
Brain Tumour Research funds research at dedicated centres across the UK, as well as campaigning for the government and larger cancer charities to invest more research into brain tumours.
“Shockingly, there are over 100 different types of brain tumours. Brain Tumour Research is the only charity that invests in continuous research at Centres of Excellence across the UK,” said Mr Barrow.
“Hopefully, one day they’ll find a cure.”
