An ASDA worker experienced seizures in her sleep, and thought they were prompted by the stress of working during the coronavirus pandemic - but she then uncovered a horrible diagnosis.
After biting the bullet and seeking medical help, the mum-of-two found out she had a brain tumour.
58-year-old Helen Green had the episodes for two months before she built up the courage to speak to a doctor.
She said she's also become forgetful and had difficulty relaying information, reported Birmingham Live.
She was referred for an MRI scan at Walsall Manor Hospital, which showed a 6cm tumour growing on the left temporal lobe of her brain.
Due to the size and position of the tumour, doctors were shocked that the 58-year-old was still able to walk and talk.
Helen, who lives in Bloxwich, said: "Despite my anxiety around feeling claustrophobic during the scan, I knew I needed to have it to find out what was wrong. The scan showed three shadows within its circular shape, which I nicknamed ducky egg and the triplets - I needed to make light of what I had just been told to help me stay positive.
"Before my diagnosis, I felt like I had a run of bad luck after the passing of my daughter’s father and going through a divorce but since I was told about the tumour, it’s changed my perspective on life."
Helen, who recently joined a community choir and was pursuing a new career, working with people who have experienced brain trauma, said she felt like "the luckiest person on the planet".
She added: "I have been given a voice to fight for a cure for those who have lost theirs. I was given this tumour to help make a difference."
She has also teamed up with Brain Tumour Research and will take part in its Cycle 274 Miles in August challenge to help raise awareness of the disease, which left her with severe fatigue.
She hoped to raise £150 for the charity by tracking the miles on her bike during the month.
Mel Tiley, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re sorry to hear about Helen’s diagnosis. Her story reminds us that brain tumours are indiscriminate and can affect anyone at any age.
"We’re thankful for Helen for sharing her story with us and are delighted that she has joined the charity as a campaigner to help us drive for more funding to better understand this dreadful disease.”
