A superfit Dumbarton dad who thought tinnitus and headaches were caused by stress was found to have a tumour on his brain after he collapsed.
Former rock band frontman Kenny Collins, 42, had been suffering from bouts of symptoms for more than three years. But several visits to his GP and optician revealed nothing.
But on September 9 Kenny was taken to Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital after collapsing, where a CT scan confirmed that there was a 3cm mass on his brain and he was taken for emergency surgery.
In a cruel twist of fate, Kenny had resigned from his job and was due to start a new one.
Now in hospital undergoing treatment and unable to work, he has no income to support his wife Lynsey and two children, Ella and Lewis.
This has prompted friends into action, with an online fundraiser having already raised almost £10,000 for the family.
Friends Rhona Lappin and Leona McCarn Donnelly launched the appeal, with Leona telling the Lennox: “Kenny has always helped others during their time of need.
“ Ironically, he completed the Glasgow Kiltwalk a few years ago to raise money for brain tumour awareness.
“His band played a charity gig for The Clutha helicopter disaster.
“These events, along with the tireless work Kenny has undertaken to support and educate disadvantaged young people, are only some of the amazing accomplishments so far in his life.
“Lynsey continues to be a pillar of strength, at his bedside.
“But the family are devastated that this has happened to Kenny and, while trying to always be strong, are struggling with the uncertainty.”
The morning after the tumour was discovered, Kenny had an emergency operation to drain the fluid from his brain which had been contributing to the intense pressure headaches.
After an MRI scan on September 19, Kenny endured nine hours of surgery to remove the shadowed mass at the back, left hand side of his brain and he has remained in the QEUH since. Kenny and his family are now awaiting biopsy results to determine the type of tumour and results of spinal MRIs.
Surgeons believe that they have removed the bulk of the tumour, however part of it remains untouched due to its close location to the brain stem.
Kenny and his family are still unaware of what further treatment will be required and how long it will take for him to be back on his feet.
Kenny, who was previously the frontman of rock band Logan, carved out a second successful career as an education leader in a school for vulnerable young people after touring the world with the band.
And despite battling debilitating symptoms for more than three years, he was determined to lead an active, healthy lifestyle.
Leona explained: “Kenny has always been a vivacious character, full of fun and banter. He doesn’t smoke or drink alcohol and exercises every day, ensuring he does at least 5k a day, running, walking or hiking.
“He has completed more than 50 Parkruns and is one of the volunteers responsible for bringing the Junior Parkrun to Levengrove Park.”
And friends are now keen to help selfless Kenny in his hour of need.
Leona added: “Kenny’s friends and colleagues are determined to help him now during his time of need, and alleviate additional worries and pressures that can be caused by finances.
“They are hoping to organise a concert to raise funds to support his family through this horrific ordeal.
“They are currently looking for a venue around Glasgow and appealing to musicians to help out.
“Some of his friends have also signed up to run the Loch Rannoch Marathon on October 16 to help with the cause, leaving them with less than four weeks to train.
“As well as supporting Kenny and his family, everyone is determined to raise awareness of the symptoms of brain
tumours.
“We all believe Kenny’s condition should have been diagnosed a lot earlier.”
To donate to the fundraiser visit here.
