A woman from Southend said her husband is lucky to still be alive after symptoms thought to be from depression were instead caused by a brain tumour.

When Rebecca Brittain’s husband, Darryl, 30, started suffering from slurred speech, headaches, vomiting and memory loss in December 2019 a GP originally thought he may have depression or a migraine.

After tablets given to him did not work the 33-year-old mum-of-three, who lives on Eagle Way with Darryl and children Bella, Colbi and Brody, rushed Mr Brittain to Queen’s Hospital in Romford where he was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) a fast-growing tumour which affects the brain.

He was able to have surgery six days later which Mrs Brittain, who works as a community carer, said reversed nearly all his symptoms. However she dreads to think what could have happened if her husband did not encourage her to get him back to hospital.   

Echo: Darry and Rebecca Brittain with kids Bella,15, Colbi 11,and BrodyDarry and Rebecca Brittain with kids Bella,15, Colbi 11,and Brody

She said; “If I hadn’t taken him to A&E when I did, I think we would have died within the week.

“His tumour was quite large by then, 5.4cm by 6.1cm, and was pushing the midsection of his brain over by 2cm so his brain was being squashed and the pressure from that is what was giving him all the symptoms so quickly.

She added: "I’d like people, if they’re getting headaches or anything unusual, to seek medical help and, if they feel that something’s not right. If my husband didn’t have me pushing for him and taking him to A&E it would have been a very different story.”

With Mr Brittain, who works as a vehicle technician, now undergoing scans every three months to keep track of the tumour Mrs Brittain has been inspired by her husband’s story and is taking part in the Brain Tumour Research charity’s Jog 26.2 miles in May challenge.

By raising money for the charity she hopes more research can be done into brain tumours and to eventually find a cure.

Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “Darryl’s story is a stark reminder of how indiscriminate brain tumours are, affecting anyone at any time.

“We’re determined to change this and are very grateful for supporters like Rebecca whose efforts enable us to continue funding vital research and to, ultimately, find a cure.”

To donate to Mrs Brittain’s fundraiser visit: bit.ly/38Tc1V4.