Mum calls for more research into brain tumors after son was diagnosed 18 months after symptoms started

A mum from Ellesmere Port is calling for more research to be carried out into brain tumors, after her young son was diagnosed with one 18 months after he started developing symptoms.

9 year old Callum Stewart needed immediate surgery at Alder Hey children's hospital, after an MRI scan picked it up last July. Doctor's said he only had weeks to live, unless he was operated on right away.

His story highlights the need to be symptom-aware, as his diagnosis followed months of sickness, dizziness and weight loss – all of which are persistent and common symptoms of a brain tumor.

Dawn Stuart said: “When Callum became ill it was a slow process where he would be sick at random times of the day then gradually it got worse to the point where Callum was being sick every day."

“Callum would ask me if he was going to die. I would reply by telling him I wouldn’t let him and just hug him and try to reassure him."

Callum and his family will today join thousands across the UK in supporting the #WearItOut campaign, to mark March’s Brain Tumor Awareness Month. It aims to raise awareness of brain tumors, as well as raise funds for life-changing research.

Geraldine Pipping, The Brain Tumor Charity’s Director of Fundraising, said: “We hope that #WearItOut gives our supporters the chance to have fun and do something different to help raise awareness as well as funds."

“We are leading the way in changing this, fighting brain tumors on all fronts by funding world-class research as well as offering support and information.”