A mum experiencing vision problems was told she was fine before receiving a "shock" diagnosis.
Natalie Dickenson visited the opticians after finding that she needed to close her eyes when it was bright. The 40-year-old, from Warrington, was also suffering from headaches.
However her eye test came back clear in April 2022. But when her condition worsened, the mum visited A&E and she was given a CT scan.
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It was only then doctors spotted something and Natalie was asked to return for an MRI scan. That test resulted in Natalie being diagnosed with meningioma, a tumour in the brain or spinal cord.
Natalie said: "I was in total shock when I found out I had a brain tumour but I’m just trying to stay positive. I thought the medical team would remove it and I’d be able to get on with my life, but they were unable to because it’s wrapped around the nerves of my left eye and the pituitary gland."
Natalie, who is mum to Tayah, 11, Alfie, 18, Ella, 21, and step-mum to Aaliyah, 16, and Rio, 18, said her symptoms also included double vision. She underwent six weeks of radiotherapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool.
Natalie added: "I lost a little bit of hair and I still get really tired, but hopefully the treatment stops the tumour in its tracks. I still have severe double vision so I have to wear an eye patch.
"I get a lot of hurtful comments about it, such as how I look like a pirate, so I get very insecure about that. I now have facial palsy, and I’m almost deaf in my left ear, with constant tinnitus which drives me mad, but I’ve just got to get on with it and be positive."
Now Natalie will take part in Wear A Hat Day for Brain Tumour Research, on Friday, March 31. She said: "There is so little government funding for research into brain tumours. I want to see progress in how this devastating disease can be treated, so hopefully the money I raise can help saved someone’s life and lead to a better future."
Matthew Price, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research said: "We’re really grateful to Natalie for taking part in Wear A Hat Day as it’s only with the support of people like her that we’re able to progress our research into brain tumours and improve the outcome for patients like Natalie who are forced to fight this awful disease.
"People can get involved in Wear A Hat Day in so many fun and easy ways, the list really is endless. Wear a hat and hold a walk, a party, a quiz night or a bake sale. Or get your thinking cap on and come up with something totally unique."
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