A family are coming together to raise money for cancer research after their son was diagnosed with multiple brain tumours which caused him to lose his hearing.
Matt Mitchell, 37, was given the devastating news he had multiple grade 2 brain tumours two years ago and has since gone on to have three operations to remove them, reports Plymouth Liv e.
The third of these procedures in August 2020 left the dad-of-two with life-changing injuries that have seen him lose hearing in one ear and develop facial palsy.
In honour of his lengthy fight, his mum Ann Mitchell, 67, from Plymouth will soon take part in Brain Tumour Research’s Walk Of Hope alongside her husband, two daughters and six grandchildren as they raise funds for research into combatting the disease.
Matt's health problems began in October 2019 when he collapsed and was found by his parents disorientated and unable to speak properly, who had rushed upstairs after hearing a "loud noise".
It was believed he had suffered a suspected mini stroke, which he attributed to stress caused by the end of a relationship.
But when he had a repeat attack a week later, his GP referred him to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth — where an MRI scan showed multiple tumours on his brain.
Following the three operations, Matt has since been selected for proton beam therapy, which he had five days a week for ten weeks at The Christie in Manchester.
With the treatment being effective now receives annual scans to monitor the size of the tumour, with his next appointment due in January 2023.
Ann said she wanted the family to take part in the charity event to give something back after seeing the effects of the new treatment, telling Plymouth Live: “Since Matt’s treatment he suffers from fatigue and sadly he won’t be joining us this year but we will all be thinking of him on the day.
“We feel very lucky as a family that proton beam therapy was an option for Matt. Since his diagnosis, we have been shocked to discover that not everyone is suitable and that treatment options are often limited.
“By fundraising for Brain Tumour Research, we are hopeful that we can contribute in some way to finding a cure for this disease which can be devastating for so many families.”
As many as 16,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year in the UK, yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours.
Walk of Hope takes place nationwide on 24 September and there is still time to get involved.
Registrants will receive a free fundraising pack and special event t-shirt. To find your nearest walk, or register your own event please visit www.braintumourresearch.org/fundraise/walk-of-hope
