In September 2021, Vicky Lewis received the life-changing news that she had a benign brain tumour, an ‘Acoustic Neuroma’. From that day on, everything changed for her, her husband and two children, Ben and Lily. She was unable to drive, work, and her balance was dramatically affected.
By February 2022, a team of specialists at Salford Royal Hospital had made the decision to surgically remove Vicky’s tumour. The 11-hour procedure successfully removed 99% of the tumour and Vicky was able to regain speech and walking ability, with some support, and was back at home within a week.
“The care I received from day one at Salford Royal was outstanding”, said Vicky. “Going into surgery, I was so scared because I understood the risks, but the staff reassured me this was the best option due to the size and position of the tumour.”
Vicky, a member of the NHS family working in Wrexham A&E, lives with the permanent impact of the tumour as she has completely lost her hearing on one side. “I feel extremely grateful this is the only life-changing complication I have experienced, as I know there could have been more. I now wear cross aids for my deafness which help, but it's nowhere like having my complete hearing!”
Vicky is now fundraising for the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, through NorthCare Charity the official charity of Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, to show her appreciation for the team who cared for her at Salford Royal and raise awareness and funds for research into brain tumours. She will also be making a donation to BANA, the British Acoustic Neuroma Association, who provide support and information for people affected by Acoustic Neuroma.
Vicky’s husband Mark will be taking part in a 24-hour bike ride in June, and she is hosting a charity auction night, which will include a bottle of Hollywood star Ryan Reynold’s gin, Aviation American Gin, signed by the actor. A Wrexham Association FC fan, Vicky was sent a video message from Ryan, who owns the club, last year, and met the star in January.
Professor Andrew King, the neurosurgeon who operated on Vicky successfully last year said, “We’re absolutely delighted that Vicky and her family have chosen to support The Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre with their fundraising. It’s amazing to see how far Vicky has progressed in her recovery since her surgery, and we could not be more proud.
"Her fundraising efforts will allow us to continue our research into the treatment and management of brain tumours like Vicky’s, which will have a huge impact on patients for years to come”. Professor King is Co-director of the GJBRC alongside Professor Stuart Allan, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Manchester.
To support Vicky’s fundraising and find out more, visit her JustGiving page, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Vicky-Lewis9. For more information on the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre and NorthCare Charity, visit www.gjbrainresearch.org.