Mum sent home from hospital after a seizure had two brain tumours

Heather Sells before surgery
-Credit: (Image: Brain Tumour Research© SWNS)


A fitness instructor was rushed straight to hospital after suffering a seizure. Mum-of-two Heather Sells had also been experiencing unusual symptoms such as dizziness, balance issues and blinding headaches.

However, Heather, 46, says she was sent home afterwards with no scan and just a leaflet to read. It wasn't until she experienced a second seizure that she was taken in for a scan, which revealed the shocking truth.

Heather, from Clitheroe in Lancashire, was diagnosed with two brain tumours. Doctors identified the condition as meningioma, the most common type of primary adult brain tumour that grows on the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

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Following the diagnosis in July 2020, she underwent urgent surgery to remove the larger tumour. However, the second one is still under active surveillance.

During her time in hospital, Heather said she “was terrified”. "Because of COVID-19 restrictions, my husband couldn’t come into the hospital, and I was on my own in a small side room for five hours before surgery," she said. "They removed the first tumour. But the second one remains under active surveillance."

Heather Sells
Heather Sells, 46, was fit and healthy when she suddenly couldnt stand during her classes in June 2020 - and after a seizure was rushed to hospital -Credit:Brain Tumour Research© SWNS

Talking about living with the constant threat of the tumour turning aggressive, Heather said: "Living scan-to-scan with a brain tumour that could turn aggressive at a flick of a switch is a nightmare." The survival rate for meningioma is largely positive, with 85 to 95 percent of patients with grade I meningiomas surviving the first five years on average. However, this figure can drop dramatically to 25 to 30 percent survival for those with advanced grade III meningiomas.

Sadly Heather has been unable to work as a result of her diagnosis and had to close her fitness business. She has since turned her focus towards fundraising and awareness efforts, undertaking charity challenges with the backing of her husband, Jack, and sons Elliott and Hunter.

"I know first-hand how devastating this disease is," asserted Heather. "Not just for those diagnosed but for everyone around them."

Heather has already collected upwards of £8,000 for Brain Tumour Research and is currently taking on the 99 Miles in November challenge. "My family and friends have been with me for the previous challenges I did, and it was amazing.

"I’m hoping this new adventure will bring our total raised to over £10,000, which we’re all incredibly proud of. And hope it helps in finding a cure."

Heather Sells with husband Jack and son Hunter.
Heather Sells has now dedicated her time to raising funds and awareness for Brain Tumour Research -Credit:Brain Tumour Research© SWNS

Brain Tumour Research community development manager Ashley McWilliams commented: "Heather’s journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience within our community. Her dedication to raising funds for research, despite her own health challenges, is deeply inspiring. Every step Heather takes supports the 16,000 people diagnosed with a brain tumour each year in the UK."

To support Heather’s fundraising efforts, visit facebook.com/donate/512013045141160/512013071807824. According to the NHS, the symptoms of a brain tumour vary depending on the exact part of the brain affected. The most common symptoms include:

  • Vision or speech problems

  • Progressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the body

  • Seizures (fits)

  • Persistently feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) and drowsiness

  • Mental or behavioural changes, such as memory problems or changes in personality

  • Headaches

If you experience any unexplained symptoms, you should speak to your GP.