'I wasn't drunk, it was a brain tumour'

John Starns is raising awareness for Brain Cancer Research

A man who said he appeared drunk but was actually suffering from a brain tumour is helping to raise awareness of the disease.

John Starns, from Sutton Valence, Kent, was initially told he had vertigo but when there was no improvement with medication, an MRI scan three months later revealed a brain tumour.

The 63-year-old freelance photographer described his diagnosis as a "scary process".

But he said he will "never forget the emotional release when the nurse told me my tumour was benign".

It began in February 2022 when Mr Starns "suddenly felt unwell" commuting to London.

"It felt as though I was having a panic attack," he said. "I was disorientated and it became difficult to walk."

Mr Starns got off his train at Sevenoaks.

He said: "I found a bench and sat there for two hours, alone.

"No-one approached me, I suspect because they thought I was drunk."

More than three years on, Mr Starns is monitored with a scan every two years.

He said: "So far, scans have showed my tumour as stable, and I barely suffer with any side effects.

"I am one of the lucky ones."

John Starns says his story "could have ended differently"

Mr Starns, a keen cyclist, is participating in a charity challenge to cycle 274 miles during August.

He said: "My story could have ended differently.

"My hope is that by supporting Brain Tumour Research, more people will benefit from the advances in research."

Brain tumours kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002, according to Brain Tumour Research.

Charlie Allsebrook, the charity's community development manager, said: "Brain tumours are indiscriminate and can affect anyone at any age."