“I couldn’t think of the word ‘England’ when writing postcards home” Brain Tumour Pathway supports Lenny every step of the way, from diagnosis to ongoing care
Towards the end of 2025, Lenny Duncan, 57 from Skelmersdale, started forgetting things and had multiple periods where he was unable to speak or write. He put it down to tiredness, but in the new year, Lenny became disorientated and blind in one eye.
After being rushed by his wife Kelly to the Stroke Emergency Assessment Centre (SEAC) at Aintree University Hospital, stroke was ruled out. But unfortunately, a CT scan revealed a high-grade brain tumour.
Lenny said: “The first time I started talking nonsense I had had a long day and just thought I was tired. But then on holiday last Christmas, I was writing postcards home and I couldn't remember how to spell 'England'. My wife Kelly started watching me like a hawk from then on because she thought I might have had a stroke. As it turned out it was far worse.”
Lenny was immediately referred to the Brain Tumour Pathway, which is jointly lead by The Walton Centre and The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. Lenny was seen quickly by the specialist neuro-oncology team at The Walton Centre and underwent an awake craniotomy in a matter of weeks after initially attending hospital.
Lenny continued: “The speed and efficiency of the pathway was incredible. I was given a surgery date quickly, and the whole team, from the neurosurgeon to the specialist nurses, checked in with me the day before to make sure I was ok. It made me feel so well looked after, there are no words.”
The specialist surgical team removed as much tumour as possible safely, which was confirmed as a grade four glioblastoma, giving Lenny the best chance for chemotherapy and radiotherapy, delivered by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, to reduce the tumour further.
Lenny said: “It was a long operation, but the team were exceptional at keeping my spirits up. I'm impressed with the aftercare too. The therapies and nursing teams regularly keep in touch with me to understand how I might need further support.”
Lenny said: “When I first came to Clatterbridge, they had everything ready for me and a schedule to keep to for my treatment. They had thought of everything. Many other patients there thought I had prostate cancer, as brain tumours are much less common. I'm incredibly grateful that the brain tumour pathway was there for me.”
Lenny underwent an intense course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to reduce the tumour further. He continues to receive treatment and support from both The Walton Centre and The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre with the two hospitals working together to make sure Lenny's care is coordinated.
He continued: “It wasn't good news last time, it looked like some of the tumour was still left. But I feel really reassured by the teams that they are doing everything they can to help me get rid of this cancer.”
The Walton Centre and The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre have been working together over recent years to make sure that the pathways for patients with brain tumours are joined up.
In Lenny's care, alongside treatment such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Speech & Language Therapists and other Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) worked closely across organisations to provide timely and meaningful support. Lenny is one of the beneficiaries of this change in approach over the last few years and work continues to develop this service.
Clinical Lead for Neuro-oncology and Consultant Neurosurgeon Professor Michael Jenkinson said: “This is in essence what we hope to achieve with every patient that finds themselves on the brain tumour pathway. Fast and efficient diagnosis, followed by getting the right care at the right time from highly skilled specialist teams in both The Walton Centre and Clatterbridge.”
Chloë May, Consultant Oncologist at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, has been leading on Lenny's oncology care. She said: “I'm incredibly proud of the model of care that has been developed between ourselves at Clatterbridge and our colleagues at The Walton Centre. It means that people diagnosed with brain cancer in the region have some of the quickest pathways in the country - Lenny began chemo and radiotherapy within weeks of his initial surgery.
“Our unique partnership means a faster pathway for patients and strong interventions across all areas from surgery, to oncology and valuable support services such as speech and language therapy.”
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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
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