I didn't think Christmas was possible with my brain tumour... then something unbelievable happened

Brave student Joscelyne shares her cancer journey to raise awareness

- STAFF REPORTER

Student Joscelyne Kerr before her initial eye problems

A Scottish student who believed she wouldn't see another Christmas after her brain cancer diagnosis is urging the public to support Brain Tumour Research in finding a cure.

Joscelyne Kerr (20) from Kinross, was diagnosed in 2023 with an ultra-rare and aggressive brain cancer known as anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (APXA), the first recorded case of its kind in Scotland.

She underwent high-risk surgery at just 18, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2024. When neither proved effective, she began a course of trial drugs which have since delivered remarkable results.

After an anxious start to the year, Joscelyne received the life-changing news that her brain tumour, which she nicknamed 'Pedro the PXA, had been extinguished by the trial drugs.

Now, Joscelyne is helping to raise awareness of the Brain Tumour Research Christmas Appeal which is calling on the public to help fund pioneering research for brain tumour patients.

Joscelyne said: "It was such an unbelievable thing to hear as we never expected the crystallised core of Pedro to be dissolved by the drugs.