New Milton woman Lizzie Taylor learning how to walk and talk again after brain tumour surgery

A NEW Milton woman is taking on a fundraising challenge after having to learn again how to walk and talk following surgery to remove a brain tumour.

Lizzie Taylor (23) was diagnosed with a grade 2 atypical meningioma after developing double vision and having trouble walking.

A meningioma is the most common form of adult brain tumour which develops in the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

Following a 14-hour operation to remove the tumour Lizzie was left unable to speak or stand.

She discovered she was seriously ill after being referred to Lymington New Forest Hospital for an MRI scan.

It showed she had a 4cm mass in her head which was growing on top of the brain stem.

Her mum Debbie, who works in a care home, told how Lizzie could not speak after the surgery.

She said: “For around two weeks Lizzie would communicate by squeezing my hand.

“We were supported by a speech and language therapist and physiotherapist, and she slowly regained mobility.

“The whole time Lizzie thought she was talking. She could hear me when I told her that nothing was coming out when she spoke, but it didn’t sink in.

“It wasn’t until Lizzie had a nosebleed that she started shouting and almost shocked herself and staff with the noise that came from her mouth.”

Lizzie had a second operation to correct her vision and has to have regular brain scans.

Debbie said: “An MRI scan after surgery showed no trace of the tumour but we are aware that it can come back. “

Lizzie and her mum are now keen fundraisers for Brain Tumour Research.

Debbie said: “In September I did the Walk of Hope for the charity and Lizzie came along in her wheelchair.

“I am now planning to do the 10,000 Steps a Day challenge in February.

“Throughout her diagnosis, Lizzie has remained positive and so open in sharing her experience, raising awareness of the disease.

“My hope, by taking part in this fundraising challenge, is to support research into brain tumours to help others who may be at the beginning of their journey.”

Mel Tiley, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, praised Lizzie and her mum, saying: “Their generosity and effort in taking part in fundraising challenges will help us get closer to find a cure for this horrible disease.”

To donate to Brain Tumour Research via Debbie’s fundraiser, visit www.facebook.com/donate/1325639024942901/