Teen diagnosed with tumour after mistaking symptoms for gcse stress

HER PARENTS ALSO ATTRIBUTED HER SYMPTOMS TO "BEING A TEENAGER". FIONA CALLINGHAM Lifestyle writer 12:08, 20 May 2025 When Carmarthenshire teenager Sara Govier first experienced

headaches and fatigue, she put it down to the pressure of her GCSEs. But what she didn't know was that they were actually signs of a brain tumour. Although Sara’s parents interpreted

the signs as typical teenage growing pains and exam stress, they were still concerned. This prompted her mother Mererid, 50, to book a GP appointment that led to a hospital referral.

Mererid, who works as a primary school teacher, said: "Sara was a normal 15-year-old, preparing for her GCSEs. We just put her symptoms down to being a teenager." She added:

"Like many parents, my husband and I were both working full time, her younger sister, Elen, was at school, and life was busy. We never imagined those symptoms could be a sign of

something more serious." Following an MRI scan and blood tests conducted two weeks post-referral, Sara was diagnosed with a benign pituitary adenoma, a noncancerous tumour affecting the

pituitary gland, just shy of her 16th birthday in September 2019. Subsequent examinations, including an ECG and ultrasounds, affirmed the tumour's benign nature. Mererid said:

"I'd never even heard of this type of brain tumour before. We were shocked, scared and overwhelmed. "So many thoughts ran through my head, I didn't know if I was coming

or going and never thought something like this could happen to us." Fortunately, medication was able to reduce the size of the tumour. "We were so grateful for the quick care

provided by the NHS," she said. "Our GP reassured us that the tumour was benign and treatable, but hearing the word 'tumour' in relation to your child is utterly

terrifying. I remember our consultant sitting with us and drawing diagrams to explain what was happening in Sara's brain. He was incredibly kind and really put Sara at ease, which made

a big difference." Sara underwent treatment twice weekly to shrink the tumour, a period Mererid described as challenging. She said: "Although we were relieved there was a plan in

place, the side effects took their toll. "Sara lost a lot of weight and experienced frequent fainting spells, especially tough as she entered sixth form and began her A-levels. There

were days she had to skip lessons, and once she even fainted after running in a school athletics event. "When I asked her about it, she simply said, 'Mum, I know. I should've

said I wasn't feeling well'. It's moments like that you don't forget." Now 21, Sara lives and works in London, continuing with routine check-ups. However, she

recently had to restart her treatment due to elevated prolactin levels. To support crucial research into brain tumours, Mererid and her father Gareth are embarking on a 200-kilometre walk

and cycle challenge. Mererid shared: "I've completed my 200k in May challenge for Brain Tumour Research because we had never heard of this disease before Sara's diagnosis.

"Like many, we assumed brain tumours were rare. But we've since learned that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer – and yet they

receive just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research. That must change." Together, Mererid and Gareth have managed to raise approximately £600 so far. To back Mererid and

Gareth's 200k In May Your Way challenge, you can donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/Mererid1745828944955. SYMPTOMS Brain tumour symptoms can vary based on which part of the brain is

affected. Common symptoms include: * Headaches * Seizures (fits) * Persistent nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness * Mental or behavioural changes, such as memory issues or personality shifts *

Progressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the body * Problems with vision or speech. Article continues below The NHS advises: "Sometimes you may not have any symptoms to begin

with, or they may develop very slowly over time." It's important to consult a GP if you experience these symptoms, especially if you notice a headache that's different from

your usual ones or if headaches are becoming more frequent.