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Towards the end of May this year, Declan Tidswell, from the Wirral, was pottering around the kitchen one night after making a meal. The next thing he remembers is waking up on the kitchen floor without any feeling in his legs below the knees.

The 33-year-old said: “One minute I was washing up, the next I was on the floor and couldn’t feel my legs. I live alone, and wasn’t able to move. I had no idea what was going on and it took a while to let family know what was going on for help.”

Declan, who is an IT Product Manager, was rushed to Arrowe Park Hospital in an ambulance, where they scanned him and found a large tumour on the upper part of the spine. After this discovery, Declan was rushed to The Walton Centre as an emergency.

Declan said: “By the time I got to The Walton Centre, the paralysis had started to move up my body. It was scary, but the staff were so reassuring and I ended up in surgery really quickly.”

The tumour on Declan’s spine is called a Chondrosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, where 10% of cases in the UK occur in the spine – making it even more rare.

Due to the uncommon tumour wrapped around Declan’s spine, Consultant Neurosurgeon Mr Martin Wilby approached The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham for support on how to treat and remove the tumour.

Mr Wilby said: “With tumours that occur within the spine, there are a number of factors that can have life-changing implications on a patient’s outcome. In cases where the tumour compresses the spinal cord, as in Declan’s case, speed is of the essence and removing as much of the tumour as possible is the goal.

“Tumours can cause pressure on the nerves in the spine or spinal cord, and even if it is removed quickly, it can cause lasting damage and paralysis. Unfortunately, the spinal cord does not repair itself and compression injury is often permanent.”

During surgery, a cage was inserted into Declan’s spine and as much of the tumour as possible was removed to aid his recovery. Some remains, and is being treated by The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham.

Declan continued: “It all happened really quickly. I woke up after the operation and the team told me I was in a stable condition. The paralysis stops at my chest, so my rehabilitation was hard, but very positive. The staff around me, from the clinical staff on Dott Ward to the different therapies getting me mobile and supporting me, were excellent. 

“I couldn’t thank the teams enough. The support and reassurance they give my family and friends was amazing. The relationships I built in the hospital made my stay strangely enjoyable. With a life changing situation, the environment was fantastic and there was a lot more laughter than tears.”

“After five months, I’m back home now, waiting for further treatment and adapting to a new way of life. But I cannot thank the team at The Walton Centre enough. I feel like my recovery would’ve been much longer, harder had the specialist hospital not been there - giving me that extra push each day.”

-Ends-

 

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 X, Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.

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

Read ‘One minute I was washing up, the next I was on the floor and I couldn’t feel my legs’…

When Healthcare Assistant Megan Pape from Liverpool came into work at The Walton Centre a few weeks ago, little did she know that a normal day in the Outpatients Department was going to take an unusual turn.

Megan’s mum Gill, 46, also from Liverpool, was coming in with tremors she’d notice get steadily worse over the last year or so. Megan said: “When mum started getting tremors in her arm, I knew right away she would benefit from a referral to The Walton Centre, and I’m so grateful that her GP listened and did so, otherwise I dread to think what could’ve happened.”

Megan was inspired to work for The Walton Centre after her Aunty passed away at the hospital in 2020 after experiencing a Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (SAH).

Megan continued: “The Walton Centre holds a very special place in my heart. When my aunty was here, I was blown away by the incredible treatment and care she received in her final days. I saw that outstanding care and thought: How do I become a part of that?

“The Trust has looked after so many family members, including myself for Chronic Migraines. I’m beyond pleased that they were able to support my mum the way they have. I’m so grateful. I love working here with patients, I see the positive impact the hospital has on them every day.”

Working in the Patient Access Centre, Megan quickly moved into a Healthcare Assistant role, where she completed an apprenticeship.

Gill’s scans revealed she had a Chiari Malformation. This is a condition where the lower part of the brain pushes down into the spinal canal. This can put pressure on the brain stem, or obstruct the flow of spinal fluid, presenting a number or problems to the patient.

Gill said: “When I first started getting the tremors, I just thought it was something I could get treated easily. Not once did I think it could be something wrong with my brain. But Megan was adamant that I seek a referral to The Walton Centre, and I’m so glad I did.”

Gill’s care was transferred to the Neurosurgical department, shortly after which Consultant Neurosurgeon Professor Andrew Brodbelt performed a decompression to correct the condition and alleviate her symptoms.

Gill continued: “I’m so relieved now that it’s done. The team did a great job to reassure me beforehand, but I was so worried. I’d even sorted the Christmas presents out before going in for the operation, just in case something went wrong.”

Megan said: “The hospital has been fantastic looking after my mum. I’m delighted that I’m working with such dedicated staff, their compassion has inspired me all over again!"

-Ends-

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

Read ‘The Walton Centre I work for saved my mum’s life, and I’m inspired to work here all over again!’…

The Walton Centre Charity held its 13th annual Jan Fairclough Ball at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on Friday 15 November and once again, it was an outstanding success. Spearheaded once again by our patron, David Fairclough and family, and sponsored by our valued supporters AB Engineering, Home Bargains, and the Carpenters Group, the evening raised an impressive £57,000 with every penny going towards our Home from Home Relatives' Accommodation.

The Home from Home is relative accommodation, dedicated to creating comfortable and welcoming spaces for the families of patients receiving critical care at The Walton Centre. These spaces provide a vital sanctuary where loved ones can stay close, offering support and reassurance at what can often be a difficult and emotional time. To learn more about this crucial facility, visit our dedicated page.

Guests were treated to an unforgettable evening of glitz and glamour, hosted by the award-winning broadcaster Steve Hothersall. The Titanic Hotel provided the perfect backdrop for the evening, where attendees enjoyed a delicious three-course meal and the chance to participate in both an online and live auction.  Guests were also able to take part in a diamond raffle to win a stunning pendant donated by Boodles.

The online auction featured a range of sought-after items, including signed sporting memorabilia, exclusive experiences, stunning artwork, and luxury beauty packages. Meanwhile, the live auction saw heated bidding for extraordinary prizes such as hospitality packages at Goodison Park and Anfield, Oasis tickets for their Heaton Park show, and a luxury weekend stay for ten at Longtail Cottage, complete with a private chef.

Our Head of Fundraising, Madeleine Fletcher, had this to say about the evening: "Thank you to everyone who made the Jan Fairclough Ball a success again this year. To the Fairclough family for their fantastic commitment to fundraising for The Walton Centre; our corporate partners A&B Engineering, Carpenters Group and Home Bargains – their support ensures we can maximise what is raised on the night.  Thank you also to Boodles for providing the extra sparkle!

"And, of course, thank you to all our guests who attended and contributed to the success of the evening - we are continually humbled by the generosity shown, and we never take it for granted.

"We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and supported this year’s Jan Fairclough Ball. Your contributions are helping to make a real difference for patients and their families at The Walton Centre. Thank you for being part of this unforgettable night."

Read Jan Fairclough Ball raises over £57,000 for the Home from Home appeal…

Dr Antonella Macerollo, Consultant Neurologist, has been appointed as Parkinson's UK Regional Clinical Lead for the North West.

The regional leads will play a key role in the delivery of the Excellence Network’s new regional model for England, aimed at improving care for people with Parkinson's.

Speaking of her plans for the North West region, Dr Macerollo said: “I am thrilled to be starting in the role and look forward to meeting with many healthcare professionals across the North West and bringing them all together.”

Read more.

Read Consultant appointed as Parkinson's UK Regional Clinical Lead…

Congratulations to our Chief Executive Jan Ross, who was appointed as an honorary fellow at Liverpool John Moores University this month.

An honorary fellowship is the highest award LJMU confer as a university. It is a public recognition of outstanding professional achievements and individuals are celebrated as role models for students and staff.

Jan is a nursing graduate of LJMU, and has been in the NHS for over 30 years, starting her nurse training in Liverpool and worked at The Royal Liverpool as a surgical nurse, matron and divisional nurse director, before moving to Warrington and then Southport.

She joined The Walton Centre in November 2018, as the Director of Operations and Strategy and Deputy Chief Executive and was appointed as the Trust’s Chief Executive in June 2021.

Read Chief Executive Jan Ross appointed LJMU honorary fellow…

What is your job role?

As a specialist research physiotherapist at The Neurosciences Research Centre (NRC), I have the privilege of working alongside an incredible team, including our principal investigator Dr Rhys Davies and Huntington’s Disease (HD) consultant Dr Sundus Alusi, supported by Research Facilitator Jenni Burns. Together, we conduct the ENROLL-HD Registry Clinic, which is the world’s largest observational study focused on Huntington’s Disease (HD).

In addition to this, I contribute as a clinical rater for the Merz Pattern Spasticity study and serve as a sub-investigator, helping to recruit HD patients for various research initiatives, including the HEALTHE-RND project. This multinational effort is dedicated to creating tailored Quality of Life assessments and eHealth models for rare neurological conditions. My role is driven by a commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by HD, fostering understanding and support within this community.

 

What made you choose to do the job you are in?

My choice to work in this field is rooted in a deep passion for improving care and treatments for Huntington’s Disease and other rare neurological conditions. After completing my PhD on the illness narratives of people with HD, I gained invaluable insights into how clinicians can better support patients and their families. This understanding comes from nearly two decades of experience working with the HD community in Merseyside and the north west of England.

The Walton Centre stands out as the UK’s specialist hospital Trust dedicated to inclusive neurology and neurosurgery, fostering innovation in the neuroscience field. I found a perfect alignment here, as the organization champions personal growth and supports my career development. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities provided by The Walton Centre Charity and the NRC, particularly under the mentorship of Dr. Rhys Davies and Gemma Nanson. Together, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the communities we serve.

 

What is your favourite part of the job?

The favourite part of my job is the privilege of bridging my clinical experience with translational research. As an allied health professional, I value the opportunity to elevate our representation in research, and I’m grateful to be part of the NRC, where I can practice in this vital setting.

What truly brings me joy is collaborating with a small, dedicated team focused on improving patient care and research for those affected by Huntington’s Disease. Together, we share a common goal, and that sense of purpose is incredibly fulfilling.

I also have the chance to work with colleagues nationally and internationally, providing specialist training for the Huntington Disease Association Charity in England and Wales. I also help develop educational and training resources that promote the clinical guidelines established by our specialist group through the European Huntington’s Disease Network (EHDN), where I lead the workstream for HD physiotherapy working group in residential care settings.

 

What’s the most rewarding experience you have had in your role?

The most rewarding experience in my role comes at the end of each patient consultation, when individuals and their families express their gratitude for the work we do. One recent moment particularly stands out: a family member approached me and said, “Please don’t stop with what you’re doing. Thank you for helping us today and for the future.” Moments like these reaffirm the impact of our work and remind me that we are making a difference in people’s lives.

 

What is the best advice you have received at work?

The best advice I’ve received earlier in my career, came from a colleague who said, “Listen to your patients, and you will learn a lot.” This insight has stayed with me throughout the years, reinforcing my belief that our patients are our greatest teachers. Their experiences and stories guide us, reminding us of the profound effect we can have when we truly listen.

 

What/who is your biggest motivator at work?

My patients, they are at the heart of everything that I do.

 

What is on your bucket list for this year?

As 2024 comes to a close, I’m thrilled to have completed the Liverpool Half Marathon with my partner, running side by side and motivating each other to reach the finish line. Looking ahead to 2025, we really hope to visit Japan, a long-standing dream on our travel bucket list.

 

Read Spotlight on... Dr Paul Carreon, Specialist Research Physiotherapist…

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-

-Ends-

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.

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

Helen Keen, 61, from Atherton in Manchester has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia for the last nine years, but believes she’s been experiencing symptoms for much longer.

Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body. As well as widespread pain, other symptoms include increased sensitivity to pain, muscle stiffness, fatigue, problems with mental processes known as "fibro-fog", and feelings of frustration, worry or low mood. These symptoms are changeable and can suddenly improve or get worse with little warning.

Helen said: “15 years ago I was having a biopsy for a suspected cancerous ulcer, I struggled to come round from the anaesthetic. In the years after that I began to experience pain and other symptoms.

“Shortly afterwards, I was diagnosed officially with Fibromyalgia, and honestly that was such a relief in itself! Just giving it a name made a huge difference.”

Helen was experiencing widespread pain and exhaustion, which was having a serious impact on her life. After researching options, her GP referred her to The Walton Centre’s Pain Management Programme (PMP) – one of the largest services of its kind in the UK.

Helen continued: “I used to wake up so tired, and the pain was ever-present. At one point I thought I was dying it was that bad, it did feel quite hopeless. But once I started attending PMP I realised there were ways to live happily with my condition.

“The Pain Management Programme has given me a new set of tools to help manage my Fibromyalgia. Coping mechanisms, stretching and mindfulness have all helped me manage the pain and fatigue.

“I’m going from strength to strength and when I look back at how far I’ve come, I’m amazed. I’m extremely grateful for PMP and all the help they have given me to essentially get my life back on track.”

For more information on The Walton Centre’s Pain Management Programme, head to the website: Pain Management Programme

You can also watch Helen being interviewed by Gardener’s World presenter Adam Frost, who also has Fibromyalgia, for BBC Morning Live: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00246wx

-Ends-

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

Read “The Pain Management Programme has given me a new set of tools to help manage my Fibromyalgia”…