Abi Smith, 30, has organised a wellness day to raise money for charity
Abi Smith in hospital
A woman has shared how she was diagnosed with a brain tumour after suffering double vision on a long-haul flight to America.
Abi Smith was just 24 when she experienced the symptom alongside being unable to use some of her limbs properly.
She underwent a CT scan in the USA but nothing was detected until she returned home ot Birmingham and had an MRI in July 2019.
Doctors then told her that she had a high-grade glioma brain tumour.
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Despite her diagnosis, Abi has used the last six years to selflessly raise money for others suffering from cancer.
The now 30 year old has set up a wellness day which is taking place on September 6 at Stirchley Baths.
Abi Smith
Abi hopes to use the event to raise both money and awareness surrounding young people’s health.
Speaking about her diagnosis, she told BirminghamLive: “I actually put [the double vision] down to the pressure on the plane causing an issue with my vision.
“Then, as the other symptoms started presenting themselves, I realised something wasn’t right.
“I went to the local hospital, had a full body CT scan and they said I was fine [because] my tumour can only be picked up on an MRI.
“So, after that, I carried on with the trip, went to my cousin’s wedding and just tried to ignore the fact I couldn’t pick my fork up and had to semi drag my right foot along.
“Once I got off the plane at Heathrow, I knew, despite the reassurance from the CT scan, I was not well.
“After being instantly admitted in June 2019, I finally got diagnosed in July at Birmingham’s QE.”
Abi Smith
Hearing the news that she had a brain tumour came as a huge surprise to Abi.
“It was such a massive shock,” she said. “I was almost 25 and naively thought young people like me would never get cancer.
“It was really scary and daunting not knowing what would happen next.
“However, I don’t know how I did this, but within a few days of being diagnosed, something in me said ‘I can and I will beat this’.
“This positive mindset is what I believe has kept me fighting fit for the last six years.”
Abi had to quit her job in PR following her diagnosis and she is no longer able to drive.
But, determined not to let that get her down, she has organised a wellness day to give back to others suffering with the disease.
Her fundraising began when she was being treated for cancer.
“I started designing positivity cards for fellow cancer patients back in 2021 after I completed radio and chemotherapy,” she said.
“This was to help boost anyone struggling with their cancer journey but also, I gave and still give one third of all my profits to Brain Tumour Research Charity.
Abi has organised a wellness day to raise money for charity
“The charity does amazing work to help find a cure for this devastating disease. So, my mission is to make as much money for the charity while also raising awareness.
“I have raised almost £2,000 selling cards these last four years, but I wanted to boost the fundraising pot even more.
“That’s when I came up with the idea of a wellness day. I wanted to do something that fellow cancer patients could benefit from, as well as the rest of the community.
“That is why the event will focus on people keeping mentally and physically fit – two very important factors in reducing your chances of getting cancer.
“But also, very useful for people with cancer, to keep their body fighting fit – putting them in better stead to take on the disease.”
The wellness day – called Body Boost – costs £35 to attend and will include a variety of activities.
Aby said: “I am using this opportunity to support local Birmingham businesses by only using Brummy vendors.
“Stirchley’s Yoga Borne will perform a yoga session and Aphra Bakes will provide refreshments.
“There will also be a meditation session, nutrition talk and an expressive dance class for people to enjoy.
“Plus, Jewellery Quarter’s Ivy and Rose Gifts will be there for people to stock up on wellness treats.
“Tickets are £35, and include a raffle ticket which gives people a chance to win a tour of Birmingham brew Co, MAC cinema tickets, Rep theatre tickets, a case of Attic Brew beers and more to come.”
You can find out more information about the event on Abi’s Justgiving page here.
Symptoms of a brain tumour:
The NHS states that the symptoms of a brain tumour vary depending on the exact part of the brain affected.
Common symptoms include:
HeadachesSeizures (fits)Persistently feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) and drowsinessMental or behavioural changes, such as memory problems or changes in personalityProgressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the bodyVision or speech problems