Brain tumour patient calls for greater awareness of symptoms to improve treatment pathway

Date: 28 October 2024

Nikki and husband Liam for web

A patient treated at The Walton Centre for a brain tumour the size of a small orange is calling for more awareness of subtle symptoms that could be associated with a brain tumour.

In June 2024, 41-year-old Nikki Bennett from Abergele North Wales woke up with a headache and a puffy eye. Attending her local A&E, preliminary tests didn’t show anything, but clinicians later ordered a CT scan, which revealed a 6cm x 5cm mass in the front left of her brain.

Nikki was quickly referred to The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, where within days of the discovery she was booked in for emergency surgery.

Nikki said: “I was surprised when they initially told me, but very quickly I was on autopilot, finding out what the next steps were and getting the ball rolling. There was no way I was letting this mass get the better of me. Other than the little headache in my temple and my eye lid looking different, I would’ve had no idea I had a brain tumour.

“I remember the team at The Walton Centre were very surprised that, with the size of the mass, I was still going to the gym and driving and that I hadn’t suffered a seizure. My surgeon was very specific that I was not to continue with strenuous activity, as a seizure could be fatal. This news was a big shock to us, but we knew it had to be taken seriously.”

After the tumour was successfully removed, Nikki recovered on Cairns Ward, where she went from strength to strength.

After 10 days at home, Nikki began to feel the headache again. She called the neuro-oncology specialist clinical nursing team, who told her to return to the hospital immediately. After further investigations, she was readmitted to intensive care, with what turned out to be meningitis.

Nikki continued: “The care I received both times I stayed at The Walton Centre were exemplary. The clinical team did everything they could to bring me back to health. I am extremely grateful to The Walton Centre and the team’s quick work in removing the brain tumour. Unusually, I felt incredible after the surgery. I felt like I could’ve cartwheeled out of the hospital I felt that good! I can’t thank them enough for looking after me so well.

“Having this high level of care made me think about others who may not have the same experience. That’s why I think it’s so important to raise awareness of brain tumour symptoms, and the work the team at The Walton Centre do to speed up the process for cancer patients.”

Over the last 18 months, the neuro-oncology team at The Walton Centre have been developing an improved pathway for brain tumour patients in Cheshire, Merseyside and the Isle of Man, alongside the Acute Oncology Nursing Team at Whiston Hospital. It has been rolled out to seven Trusts, with work to embed this pathway in other areas, including North Wales, continuing.

Consultant Neurosurgeon and Clinical Lead for neuro-oncology Professor Andrew Brodbelt said: “Introducing the brain tumour pathway in Cheshire and Merseyside has led to more patients getting the right scans, sooner, and getting patients home rather than waiting in hospital or overflowing emergency departments. It allows us to treat them here at The Walton Centre quicker. Patients are also reporting better local support.

“It’s meaning patients are getting the best chance possible when faced with a brain tumour. We’re keen to push the pathway further and get it to as many areas The Walton Centre serves as possible – that includes North Wales.”

Liam, Nikki’s husband, stayed in our charity-funded Home from Home relatives’ accommodation while she was receiving life-saving treatment. Inspired by this and the care Nikki received, he’s hoping to raise over £5,000 for the hospital next year.

He said: “Nikki wouldn’t be here today if not for their excellent care and dedication. It’s a small gesture, but I had to do something to say thank you.”

You can read more about Liam’s fundraising challenge on our charity website: https://www.thewaltoncentrecharity.org/fundraisers/zero-to-hero-charity-challenge-

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Notes to editors

Further information, or to arrange an interview, please contact the Communications Team at The Walton Centre on 0151 556 3397 or wcft.communications@nhs.net

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only hospital trust in the UK specialising in neurology, neurosurgery and pain services. Although the majority of patients come from Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales, Lancashire and the Isle of Man, for some specialist treatments of complex disorders we see patients from all parts of the country, referred by their GPs or other neurologists, neurosurgeons and pain clinicians.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust was rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission. The independent regulator of all health and social care services in England published its rating on Friday 21 October 2016, following announced and unannounced inspection visits to the Trust in April 2016.

For more information please visit: www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk or follow the Trust on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool L9 7LJ
0151 525 3611

  • Summary:

    A patient treated at The Walton Centre for a brain tumour the size of a small orange is calling for more awareness of subtle symptoms that could be associated with a brain tumour.