My diagnosis changed my life, but helped me find myself

I’ve always been an active person, enjoying going to the gym and hiking. I’m also a bit of a film nerd but before my diagnosis, most of my free time was spent on fitness. I was working as an electrician when I began to feel much more tired than usual and had to take breaks to get through some days. It got to the point where I kept nodding off to sleep because I was so exhausted. Then I started getting headaches that didn’t go away. 

I went to my GP and was assessed for vitamin deficiencies as it was suspected that I had low iron. I was concerned about my testosterone levels and went to a private hospital in my area for a glucose tolerance test which showed signs of a possible tumour. When an MRI scan revealed a pituitary tumour, I was in total disbelief. I was told it had been growing for about eight to 10 years, and it gave me acromegaly; a rare bone condition where the body makes too much of a hormone that can make parts of your body grow bigger. Since I was 18, I have developed swelling in my face and throat, my hands grew and my feet went up three sizes. I’ve also been suffering with sleeping apnoea due to the high growth hormone, and often experience extreme fatigue which has impacted my mental and physical health.  

After my diagnosis in July 2025, I was booked in for surgery a few months later in September. It was a very confusing, overwhelming and frustrating period. I really struggled to cope with how my life had changed in such a short time. 

A scan showing Charlie's pituitary tumour and his recovery after surgery

I was told that the tumour would likely recur so I couldn’t return to my physically demanding work as an electrician. During the months of recovering from surgery, I started a marketing agency at home and created an online Etsy business. I have been taking the time to build an income and I’m making progress. 

I’m a single dad to my beloved two-year-old son Albert who is my world. I’m currently staying with my nan and I’m incredibly lucky to have my parents living just a few doors down. My mum and dad have been so supportive to me as well as My nan who I’m so grateful for her taking me in and supporting me all the way. I have a close relationship with my family; they’ve saved me from some of the darkest times. I also feel very lucky to have supportive friends around me.

There were days when I felt like giving up. I struggled to cope with the constant fatigue and not being able to have the active lifestyle and do so many things that were part of my routine. I felt like my world was falling apart and went into depression. Counselling helped me to make sense of everything and Albert kept me going. I just wanted time with him but then when we were together, my condition meant I often couldn’t do things like running around with him. This broke my heart. 

Now I take care of Albert a few days a week; we go to the park, enjoy swimming together and spent time at the local play areas. It crushes me when I don’t have energy and my fatigue impacts our time together. There are days when I think I make progress but then my body crashes. The impacts of tumours are often unpredictable. If I didn’t have Albert, I don’t know where I would be, he is the reason why I push myself to get through this. 

Charlie with Albert

I’ve been completely changed by this diagnosis but also feel like I’ve found myself. I’ve been uploading on TikTok and lots of people going through similar experiences have been reaching out. I used to struggle with anxiety, but my tumour has made me come out of my shell and step out of my comfort zone by sharing my story. I am learning about other people’s lives and what they are going through. People with brain tumours are coming together, speaking honestly about their ups and downs; it’s meaningful to be part of this community. 

I’m undergoing hormone replacement therapy and taking injections to suppress high growth hormones caused my tumour cells. I have a sparsely granulated tumour, which is harder to treat as the cells are scattered across my pituitary gland. Dealing with this has been difficult and confusing at times but I try to stay optimistic. 

I initially created my TikTok channel for work, but it’s become about my personal story, I’ve learned how you can take a negative and turn it to a positive. A year ago, I was at rock bottom, but I have slowly managed to change my life around. I would never have thought I’d ever be talking about my experience but it’s important to speak about our struggles. I’ll continue to use my TikTok channel to share my journey and raise awareness of the impacts of brain tumours.