Doctor's brain tumour diagnosis to raise awareness with help of son

A NORTH Devon mum was diagnosed with a brain tumour after waking up in the middle of the night with a stiff arm - despite having no prior symptoms.

- by HOWARD LLOYD

Annabelle Holloway, 61, woke up with a pain in her left arm. She then remembers lying down on the floor and calling for her husband Richard, 63, and when she came around, she felt 'very unsettled' and realised she had had a fit.

The GP was taken to North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple, Devon, where doctors did a blood test, and an MRI scan. Thanks to Annabelle's experience as a GP, she already recognised the symptoms as a possible brain tumour.

The test results came back, and doctors told Annabelle she has a benign meningioma - a non-cancerous tumour. In September 2024, Annabelle had an operation at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, where they were able to remove most of the tumour.

Now, Annabelle will have to undergo yearly check-ups to monitor the tumour and check for regrowth.

Annabelle, a semi-retired GP, from South Molton, Devon, said: "This whole experience has made my children realise how I am the "queen pin" of the family in so many ways - supporting them and my husband practically, emotionally and financially.

"And it's made me realise I need to take better care of myself physically, mentally and emotionally. One of my passions is my family. They've loved me and they've been there for me.

"After the fit, I was very irritable, argumentative, and couldn't sleep, but they've calmed me down, they've reassured me.