A Birmingham teenager, Honey, has returned to school after undergoing surgery to remove a rare brain tumour, bringing relief to her and her family. The 15-year-old was diagnosed with the tumour in 2019, after initially being misdiagnosed with growing pains. Her mother, Julie, expressed her relief at seeing Honey back at school, emphasizing that despite everything she has been through, Honey appears to be leading a normal life.

Julie recounted the challenges they faced in getting a correct diagnosis for Honey. Despite years of tests, doctors initially attributed Honey’s leg pains to growing pains. However, Julie’s intuition led her to push for further investigation, ultimately leading to the discovery of the tumour. The family was shocked to learn that the tumour, a cerebellopontine angle epidermoid cyst, had likely been present since Honey’s time in the womb. Fortunately, timely intervention prevented irreversible damage and allowed Honey to return to school.

Following her surgery, Honey was able to return to school in time for her mock GCSEs, showing resilience and determination. Her mother highlighted Honey’s enthusiasm for drama, her favorite subject, and expressed gratitude for her daughter’s return to normalcy. Additionally, Julie plans to participate in a fundraising challenge for Brain Tumour Research, aiming to raise awareness and support for the cause. She emphasized the importance of addressing brain tumours, which claim the lives of more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer.

The family’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with brain tumours. Julie’s determination to contribute to the cause reflects the resilience and strength displayed by those affected by this condition. Their journey highlights the importance of early detection and intervention in addressing brain tumours, ultimately allowing individuals like Honey to lead fulfilling lives.