Tumour find led grandma to write book for grandson

Jan wrote and illustrated a children's book called Finn's Wonderful World

A grandmother who was diagnosed with a brain tumour has written and illustrated a book for her four-year-old grandson.

Jan, from Stroud in Gloucestershire, said she went to hospital after suffering a seizure and a suspected stroke, but tests revealed she had a brain tumour the size of a fist.

After receiving the diagnosis in February 2022, the 62-year-old said she was "terrified" she would not live to see her grandson Finn grow up, prompting her to write Finn's Wonderful World.

"I wanted to leave Finn something deeply personal, a message of wonder and joy, in case I wasn't there to share it with him myself," Jan said.

Finn was one when Jan was diagnosed with the slow-growing tumour.

To remove it, Jan underwent a craniotomy at Southmead Hospital in Bristol in May 2022.

The surgery was successful, but she was left with partial vision.

Jan said the diagnosis "reignited" her creativity

Shortly after the diagnosis, Jan returned to her hobby of drawing and painting after years of putting it aside while she "juggled everything" in her busy life.

The book, which explores themes of friendship and nature, features illustrations of a blonde child with blue eyes, just like Finn.

Jan said: "The diagnosis and the uncertainty about my future reignited that creativity in a deeply meaningful way.

"This book has given me purpose and focus.

"To see [Finn} enjoy the story I created for him, it's the most special gift," she added.

The fictional character in the book is designed to look like Finn

Jan said all profits from the book would be donated to Brain Tumour Research.

"Without the knowledge and the skill, I wouldn't be here today," she said.

"They give people a chance of getting on with their lives.

"I poured my heart into [the book], and to know it's helping fund vital research means everything," she added.