My name is Leonie. I am 36 and I have an incurable brain tumour. Please will you join me and give a gift this Christmas to help fund more life-changing brain research?
In late 2023, I began waking suddenly during the night sensing a very intense smell of greasy food, when none of this was present. The sensation lasted 20 to 30 seconds. Four days before Christmas, I went to work where I suffered several partial seizures. This was accompanied by temporary loss of speech and more abnormal smells. I work as a Consultant Clinical Oncologist, so I was sent from my clinic to the medical team for investigation.
At the hospital where I work, I underwent an MRI scan and a CT scan. As a specialist in cancer care, I had a suspicion that my symptoms could be caused by a tumour. Many of the staff looking after me were also colleagues with whom I interacted with at work.
Late in the evening, on return to the ward, I was seen by a colleague and the news was broken to me and my husband that I had a brain tumour. I am very used to communicating difficult news to others but receiving this information myself, I was initially numb as if the news of a tumour was untrue or not aimed at me.
What I had been told was such a shock that I had several short seizures during the night in hospital. Breaking the news to family, friends and colleagues was the hardest part of the process initially. This was due to the continuous recap of very difficult information and then watching people I care about get visibly upset.
Since the diagnosis, I have undergone surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. My treatment included an awake craniotomy. During this type of surgery, the patient is kept awake for part of the procedure and asked to perform certain tasks, such as speaking and raising a hand. This is done to ensure there is no significant damage to these functions during the operation. During my procedure, the surgeons were able to remove just under 50% of the tumour. Even though I understand the life-saving benefits of this surgery, to have someone operating on your brain whilst you are awake is an incredibly scary experience.
I know more neurological research is vital if we are to get closer to a cure. Research also holds the key to reducing side-effects from treatment. Since my treatment I’ve had sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body has an extreme reaction to infection. I’ve also had hair loss, significant fatigue and I have had to re-learn to read, write and speak properly again. My driving licence is medically rescinded so I have moved house to allow access to work and be within walking distance of shops and other amenities. My loved ones have helped me stay strong.
As a Consultant Clinical Oncologist, I know how important scientific research is. My desire to see more neurological research funded motivated me to run the London Marathon for Brain Research UK. In April 2025, I was proud to complete this iconic race and raise over £35,000. The doctor on call who delivered my diagnosis is a close friend and chose to run alongside me – also raising money for the charity.
My determination has allowed me to return full time to my job and continue to raise money for Brain Research UK by hosting a gala ball event. I support this charity because I believe that research holds the key to better outcomes for people with a brain condition like mine. Whilst my life has changed, I am making the most of every moment.
Your support means so much to the charity and helps to fund more urgently-needed neurological research so that others may be helped in the future.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. With all good wishes for a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year,
Leonie
on behalf of Brain Research UK
