Southend foster mum has successful surgery after brain tumour diagnosis

Tina Papworth, from Southend, was left “petrified” after she was diagnosed with a non-cancerous tumour earlier this year.

The mum-of-two, who has fostered 20 children, had sought expert advice after she began to lose sight in her left eye more than two years ago.

In April, scans revealed a mass growing on her brain but after months of uncertainty, Tina has had the tumour removed and is now hopeful of regaining her sight. 

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She said: “I was extremely nervous about the surgery as you don’t have much idea if you will be waking up, but I had to be brave and optimistic for my children and family.

“When I came around, my surgeon said the operation was trickier than he thought but he was happy to say he removed all the tumour.

“I was delighted, and just happy to be alive.

“I can’t see out of my left eye still as the brain and optic nerves are swollen due to the surgery, but it should return over the next few months.

“I am the happiest person alive and am feeling really good, and I feel better than I have in years.

“It is a real wake-up call to show you how precious life is.”

Tina will be having regular checkups now to make sure the tumour doesn’t return.

However, the 52-year-old is still continuing to raise awareness and help others in a similar situation as she admits she knew very little about brain tumours before her diagnosis.

She is also raising money for the charity, Brain Tumour Research, which she says has been a key source of support in recent months.

She added: “One of my main goals and aims is to raise awareness. 

“When I first found out, I was so very scared and had to do a lot of research to find help. 

“Brain Tumour Research were amazing towards me and continue to be so.

“I am all over social media trying to help others in anyway I can and raise awareness. 

“Even if I help one person, that’s something.”