'My brain tumour symptoms were dismissed for years'

Barney Hewitt was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour in 2019

A man who suffered a seizure so severe that he ruptured a lung and broke both shoulders has been speaking about how he was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.

Barney Hewitt, 31, from Cuckfield, West Sussex, was diagnosed with a grade three astrocytoma in 2019.

He said: ⁠"I wasn't surprised in the slightest as it had been dismissed for years.

"I was well aware that something serious was happening to me but I felt very sorry for my family when the diagnosis came through."

Mr Hewitt added: "I felt relieved, after telling people how ill I felt that they would now take it seriously.

"But I also felt very angry and frustrated at doctors who were very dismissive of my symptoms."

Mr Hewitt was given a prognosis of between five and eight years.

He underwent surgery but the tumour could not be entirely removed because of its sensitive location.

Mr Hewitt's father Bob (left) is raising funds for Brain Tumour Research

Mr Hewitt's father, Bob, from Worthing, is working to raise awareness of brain tumours and the need for more research.

He said: "The seizure was massive. The doctors said Barney might not make it through the night.

"He had to be kept in a coma for three days because every time he kept coming back out, he'd have another seizure.

"It all just felt so unfair."

Bob Hewitt is running and cycling 99 miles (159km) throughout November to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research.

His son said: "It's great that he's raising awareness for such an underfunded charity, and I hope his dedication doesn't go un-noticed."