Top News

A woman who believed she had a blocked ear from flying discovered she actually had a tumour growing in her brain. Amy Frankcom says her symptoms were continually brushed off as a blocked ear and headaches after returning from a trip to Lapland with husband Simon and daughter Olivia.

But the problems proved to be far more sinister. At just 31, she was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma – a rare, non-cancerous tumour – the size of a lime, after four months of experiencing symptoms.

"Hearing the words, 'you have a brain tumour' was utterly terrifying," Amy, from Bristol, told NeedToKnow. "In that moment, everything stopped, my mind went straight to the worst-case scenarios and the fear completely took over. It's something I will never forget, and it changed my life in an instant."

Within days of receiving her diagnosis in February 2024, the mum underwent emergency brain surgery to remove the 6cm growth. Whilst the procedure was successful, she has been left completely deaf in her right ear.

Now 33, Amy, who operates her own pet business called Love Loui, said: "After we returned from a holiday, my left ear felt blocked. "The doctor said it was probably due to flying.

"Then, I started getting shooting pains on the right-hand side of my neck and the top of my head – quick, sudden pains. I went back to the doctors numerous times and was told they were headaches caused by the flight.

"By February, there was still no resolution but then a student doctor suggested an MRI, just to be on the safe side, as the symptoms had been going on for a while. I got an urgent referral to South Bristol Community Hospital.

"They told me they weren't expecting to find anything but wanted to check just to be on the safe side. I didn't think much of it and waited for the results. Then I got a phone call one evening.

• Mum loses husband and son to same rare one-in-70,000 genetic condition

• Doctor urges action if you see one of these four 'problems' with you log burner

"Straight away, I knew it must be serious. The doctor said she didn't know whether to wait and book an appointment, but felt it was best that I knew immediately. She told me they had found a brain tumour.

"Early diagnosis is so important. I would tell anyone not to ignore their symptoms, no matter how common they seem. I have lost my hearing completely on my right side. I've been fitted with cross hearing aids, a microphone in my right ear and a receiver in my left."

Despite all she's endured, Amy is resolute in transforming her ordeal into something meaningful. She's tackling the legendary 26.2-mile TCS London Marathon to raise funds and awareness for Brain Tumour Research.

She said: "Being able to run the London Marathon means so much to me.

"After everything I've been through, it will feel incredibly special to stand on that start line and show that a brain tumour diagnosis doesn't define what's possible. If my journey can give even one person hope or encourage someone to listen to their body and seek help, then every mile will be worth it."

Brain tumours remain the leading cancer killer amongst children and adults under 40, yet shockingly, only 1 per cent of national cancer research funding has gone towards brain tumour research since records started in 2002. With over 100 different types of brain tumour, they're amongst the most challenging cancers to tackle.

Carol Robertson, national events manager at Brain Tumour Research, commented: "Amy's determination to take on the London Marathon after everything she has been through is truly inspiring.

"Brain tumours are indiscriminate and devastating, and stories like Amy's highlight why greater investment in research is so urgently needed. We are incredibly grateful to Amy for turning her experience into action and helping us raise vital funds and awareness as we work towards finding a cure."