A 55-year-old woman in Bristol, Denise Wingfield, initially dismissed a persistent whirring sound in her ear as tinnitus, only to discover that it was a symptom of a brain tumor. After struggling to sleep due to the dull and "funny" noise in her right ear, Denise visited a specialist who initially diagnosed her with tinnitus. However, an MRI scan revealed an anomaly in her brain, leading to a life-changing diagnosis.

Following the discovery, Denise underwent a nine-hour awake craniotomy to remove the tumor. The subsequent pathology examination revealed that she had grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare form of brain tumor. Complications from the initial surgery necessitated further surgical intervention, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy and four rounds of chemotherapy.

In January, a scan revealed that the brain tumor had grown, causing concern for Denise and her medical team. Her doctors have decided to closely monitor the tumor's growth before implementing a new treatment plan, which may involve a less aggressive form of chemotherapy. Despite the fear associated with the tumor's growth, Denise takes comfort in the regular scans she receives.

Denise's journey began in October 2019 when she sought a specialist's expertise for the peculiar noise in her ear. By November of that year, she received the shocking diagnosis of a rare brain tumor. Although Denise now faces fatigue and minor balance issues, she remains determined to raise awareness and funds for Brain Tumour Research.

Last month, Denise hosted a successful coffee morning as part of Wear a Hat Day, an event aimed at supporting brain tumor research. Additionally, she plans to take on the "200k in May" challenge, a month-long endeavor where she will run, jog, cycle, and swim a total of 200 kilometers to further support the cause.

Denise finds solace in walking, considering it therapeutic. She immerses herself in the moment, accompanied by music playing through her headphones. Since her surgery, she has embraced a life filled with adventure, including adrenaline-fueled activities such as a zip wire ride with her son from Bournemouth pier to the beach.

Louise Aubrey, the community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, highlights the unfortunate reality faced by Denise and many others. In the UK alone, approximately 16,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumors each year, yet only 1% of the national expenditure on cancer research goes towards brain tumors.

Those interested in supporting Denise's fundraising efforts for Brain Tumour Research can contribute through her dedicated fundraiser.

As Denise continues her journey, determined to live life to the fullest, her story serves as a reminder of the significant impact brain tumors can have on individuals and the pressing need for increased research and support in the field.