Weightlifter, 31, given 5 years to live after believing 'common' symptoms were caused by gym training
A weightlifter was given five years to live after experiencing 'common' symptoms which he believed were brought on from working and training.
Scott Hinch, 31, was on his way to work in 2019 when he suffered a seizure and was rushed to Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales.
Scott was put into an induced, four-day coma during where he was given an MRI scan.
It revealed he had a grade 2 astrocytoma - a type of tumour that usually develops in the brain or spinal cord.
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It begins in cells called astrocytes. While some grow very slowly, others can be aggressive and grow rapidly.
After he woke up, Scott had no memory of anything after he left the house.
"I had no memory of anything since leaving the house," said Scott.
"I had four days completely missing, I remember setting off for work and then waking up in the hospital with doctors and nurses over my bed.
"It was frightening.
"I was shocked and scared and didn't know what was going on.”
Scott underwent surgery to partially remove the tumour, before starting treatment. But despite its success, the cancer returned two years later and at the end of 2023, Scott began another round, consisting of 20 months' worth of intensive chemotherapy.
Scott is now undergoing his third round of treatment for his tumour and says he is 'dependent' on his mum, Fiona Lott, 51, because he 'can't leave the house most days.'
"Looking back, I now realise there were signs," said Scott.
"Headaches, nosebleeds, things I chalked up to long work hours.
"Maybe heavy training at the gym and not drinking enough water.
"I even went to the opticians, but nothing was picked up.
"Most days, I can't leave the house. But I'm still here, and that's something I'm grateful for."
To help raise awareness, his mum, Fiona, and auntie, Lyndsey, are taking on the 200k in May Your Way challenge to raise money for the Brain Tumour Research Charity.
"Watching my son go through the trauma of surgery and three rounds of treatment for brain cancer has been heartbreaking," said Fiona.
"No family should have to experience the fear, uncertainty and pain that we have.
"We need better outcomes, kinder treatments, and ultimately a cure.
"If our efforts can help spare just one family from this suffering, then every step will be worth it.”
You can donate to support Fiona and Lyndsey's 200k In May Your Way challenge here.
Lucy Devine