What began as seemingly innocuous symptoms for Abi Smith during a 2019 flight to the US, including faltering eyesight, turned out to be the insidious warning signs of a brain tumour. Initially dismissing her double vision as a side-effect of changing air pressure, the then 30-year-old from Stirchley in the West Midlands would soon discover the terrifying truth behind her deteriorating health.

During her holiday, Ms Smith experienced more than just vision issues. She began losing mobility in both her right and left legs and struggled significantly with her grip, eventually finding herself unable to hold basic kitchen utensils. Concerned, she sought medical attention at a local hospital, where a CT scan failed to detect any abnormalities, leading to further uncertainty.

Upon her return to the UK, a more detailed MRI scan at Queen's Hospital in Burton upon Trent finally revealed the grave cause of her symptoms. Doctors initially suspected a stroke due to her inability to move the right side of her body and her eye turning inwards. However, the MRI results confirmed a glioma, a cancerous type of brain tumour, situated at the base of her brain and extending along the top of her spine. Receiving this life-altering diagnosis while alone was terrifying for Ms Smith, yet she also recalled feeling a sense of relief that a medical plan was finally in place.

Sadly, due to its critical location, the main part of the tumour was deemed inoperable. Nevertheless, surgeons successfully removed the spinal component of the tumour in July 2019. Following the surgery, Abi endured a rigorous course of radiotherapy, immediately followed by six grueling months of chemotherapy. Despite the harshness of the treatment, which led to hair loss, she viewed it as a small price to pay for the significant shrinkage achieved in her tumour.

Gliomas, like the one Abi was diagnosed with, can manifest through various symptoms, including double vision, one-sided weakness or numbness, headaches, seizures, nausea and vomiting, and changes in cognitive function or personality. The prognosis for individuals with glioma largely depends on the tumour's grade, with grade four, encompassing glioblastomas, representing the most aggressive form.

In the aftermath of her intensive treatment, Abi continues to undergo routine scans. She has become a passionate advocate for brain tumour awareness and fundraising, actively supporting the Brain Tumour Research charity. This Christmas, she is championing their Christmas Appeal, emphasizing the urgent need for increased funding to better understand, treat, and ultimately cure brain tumours. Her efforts include hosting wellness days that have raised hundreds of pounds and running a greetings card business, 'The Cancer Card', with every sale contributing to the charity.

Abi's appeal for funding comes amidst alarming statistics regarding brain tumours in the UK. Since the early 2000s, there has been a worrying rise, with cases increasing by over a quarter. Over the past decade alone, figures indicate a rise of approximately a tenth. Annually, an estimated 13,000 new cases of brain or other central nervous system and intracranial tumours are diagnosed in the nation. This devastating illness leads to around 5,500 deaths each year, equating to 15 fatalities daily, making it the 10th most common cause of cancer death in the UK. Experts even predict a potential increase to 6,600 deaths per year by 2040.

Letty Greenfield, Community Fundraising Manager at Brain Tumour Research, commended Abi's remarkable strength and positivity in the face of such a challenging diagnosis. Greenfield expressed gratitude for Abi's ongoing support, highlighting her dedication to transforming a difficult personal experience into a powerful force for good, and hopes her inspiring story will motivate others to contribute to their Christmas appeal.