'I was sent home from hospital but I actually had two brain tumours'

A “terrified” mum who was initially sent home from hospital with no scan despite having a seizure was later diagnosed with two brain tumours. Fit and healthy Heather Sells first noticed symptoms while working.

The 46-year-old fitness instructor was left feeling dizzy and unable to balance during her classes. She also had vision problems and blinding .

One day she suffered a seizure and was rushed to hospital. But Heather, from Clitheroe in Lancashire, was sent home having had no scans with just a leaflet and no scans.

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A month later, in July 2020, she experienced a second seizure and was taken to hospital again. This time a scan revealed she had two tumours on her brain.

Heather was diagnosed with meningioma. This is the most common form of adult primary brain tumour and develops in the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

She underwent emergency surgery to remove the larger tumour. During her time in hospital, Heather said she “was terrified”.

She said: “Because of COVID-19 restrictions, my husband couldn’t come into the hospital, and I was on my own in a small side room for five hours before surgery. They removed the first tumour.

"But the second one remains under active surveillance. Living scan-to-scan with a brain tumour that could turn aggressive at a flick of a switch is a nightmare.”

The survival rate of meningioma is usually good - on average 85 to 95 percent for grade I meningiomas for the first five years. However, this can be lowered to around 25 to 30 per cent if the meningiomas progress to grade III.

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As a result of her ordeal, Heather has sadly closed her fitness business, including online classes, as she’s not able to return to work. Instead she has been dedicating her time to raising funds and awareness through charity challenges, supported by her husband Jack, and sons Elliott and Hunter.

“I know first-hand how devastating this disease is,” Heather said. “Not just for those diagnosed but for everyone around them."

Heather has already raised more than £8,000 for the charity . She aims to raise more this coming month by taking on the 99 Miles in November challenge.

She continued: “My family and friends have been with me for the previous challenges I did, and it was amazing. I’m hoping this new adventure will bring our total raised to over £10,000, which we’re all incredibly proud of. And hope it helps in finding a cure.”

Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, added: “Heather’s journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience within our community. Her dedication to raising funds for research, despite her own health challenges, is deeply inspiring. Every step Heather takes supports the 16,000 people diagnosed with a brain tumour each year in the UK.”

To support Heather’s fundraising efforts, visit .

According to the , the symptoms of a brain tumour vary depending on the exact part of the brain affected. The most common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Progressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• Seizures (fits)
• Persistently feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) and drowsiness
• Vision or speech problems
• Mental or behavioural changes, such as memory problems or changes in personality

If you experience any unexplained symptoms you should speak to your GP.