A woman whose ongoing migraines stopped after her twin sister was diagnosed with a brain tumour is fundraising to find a cure for the disease.
Hilary Stockton of Prestatyn in Denbighshire was 18 when she began suffering with painful headaches and a change in vision.
Simultaneously her identical twin Hayley Hinds was also suffering with migraines.
Hilary went for an eye-test and was referred to HM Stanley Eye Hospital in Abergele and was sent on to Glan Clwyd Hospital A&E in Rhyl, where a scan showed a mass on her brain. She was diagnosed with a low-grade tumour.
The next day she had an operation at The Walton Centre in Liverpool to remove the tumour, and once out of surgery both Hilary’s and Hayley’s migraines ceased.
Hayley, 47, who is a full-time carer, said: “. We’ve always had this kind of twin thing, be it through life’s milestones or sensing when one of us might be feeling a certain way.”
Inspired by her sister, Hayley is taking on a 100 Squats or Star Jumps a day in November Challenge for Brain Tumour Research.
Ever in-sync, the sisters were also pregnant at the same time.
When Hilary underwent brain surgery, it came with the added risk of losing her unborn baby.
Hayley continued: “We were all so worried about Hilary. We were given terrifying statistics indicating she, or the baby, may not make it out of surgery. It was a traumatic time for the whole family.”
Fortunately, Hilary’s surgery was a success, and the sisters went on to give birth to healthy babies just two weeks apart.
Brain tumour patient Hilary said: “I have a check-up every couple of years and although I suffer from tunnel vision, I am able to live life without any limitations.
“My sister and I have always been close and I’m proud of Hayley for taking on this challenge for Brain Tumour Research and I’ll certainly be cheering her on throughout the month.”
One in three people know someone affected by a brain tumour and in the UK, 16,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year, yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours.
Mel Tiley, community, development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re grateful to Hayley for taking part in the 100 Squats or Star Jumps a Day in November Challenge. Her sister’s story demonstrates how brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours. This must change and with the support of people like Hayley we can work towards better treatment options and eventually, a cure.”
Brain Tumour Research’s 100 Squats or Star Jumps a Day November Challenge encourages you to have fun and get fit whilst raising vital funds to help find a cure for brain tumours. You can choose whether you’ll squat or star jump your way to success and tailor your challenge to suit your ability, all in one go or spread throughout the day. It’s your #SquatJumpChallenge, your way!
For more information and to sign up to take part in the challenge please visit: www.braintumourresearch.org/fundraise/100-squats-or-star-jumps
