A woman who survived a meningioma brain tumour has fundraised almost three days' worth of research into finding a cure.
Mum-of-two Maxine Wrathall, 45, from Swindon, began suffering from headaches and bouts of fatigue. In November 2022, whilst at work, she experienced a seizure so severe she could not be placed into the recovery position.
The café owner was diagnosed with a brain tumour which had been growing for years. Though dormant, it required immediate surgery. Maxine, whose story was picked up by BBC News, said: “Before my operation, I saw a seven-year-old boy being readied for surgery. That’s when I knew, whatever happened, I was one of the lucky ones.”
Throughout her gruelling five-hour craniotomy, a piece of Maxine’s skull the size of a credit card had to be removed as it had fused to the meningioma. She said: “My tumour had been in there for so long that it had attached itself to so many blood cells. They had to cut me from ear to ear and bring my face down, before screwing me back together.”
The procedure has left Maxine with cognitive and memory issues, but also a strong determination to change things for other brain tumour patients. She is calling on the Government to fulfil its pledge made in 2018 to invest £40 million into research, and has herself fundraised more than £7,000 with challenges such as Cycle 274 Miles in August.
Most recently, Maxine ran the Cardiff Half Marathon on 6th October. She said: “I’m just grateful to be alive. I know I am so lucky, and that so many brain tumour patients are worse off. This is why I am doing whatever I can to support Brain Tumour Research.
“I don’t understand why the Government isn’t doing more to tackle a disease that is so devastating and affects so many children in particular.”
You can join Maxine in furthering vital research into brain tumour cures by donating today.
Related reading:
- How you can help find a cure
- Swindon brain tumour survivor calls for more investment – This is Wiltshire
Published on Monday 28th October 2024.