A TYNEDALE woman is highlighting the importance of going to the opticians, after doctors found a brain tumour when she was given an urgent referral by a eye specialist.

Sarah Kelly, a social worker from Prudhoe, was shocked to find that she had a benign brain tumour after suffering from migraines, forgetfulness and being violently sick for months.

It was only till Sarah's vision began to get worse that she decided to go to Specsavers - where an eye specialist knew immediately what was wrong and referred her straightaway to the hospital.

"I started to feel really ill in February and had a few symptoms of what I now know was the tumour, but I didn't connect the dots," Sarah explains.

"A lot was going on at that time and we were moving house - so I thought it was just the stress.

"It wasn't until March when I was playing in my band that I was getting worse. In between the show I was being sick and lying on the floor.

"I went to A&E, but they could not find anything.

"I then went to Specsavers as the problem with my vision wasn't getting any better. I was in there for no more than five minutes and the specialist referred me to the hospital straightaway.

"There I was told that I had a benign tumour and two days later had an operation.

"After waking up from the tumour, I did not have any feeling in the righthand side of my body from my leg to my arm pit.

"For two weeks, I could not feel anything then I was moved to the Hexham Hospital on their stroke ward - where the staff were able to help me to walk again. It took six weeks.

"I still can't walk without a stick, but my mobility is somewhat back, and I feel much healthier.

"I can't thank the staff and nurses at Hexham hospital who cheered me up by putting lights on my zimmer frame and motivating me to never give up. 

"I also want to thank Diane Stone of SS Fitness who has helped build my mobility up and for her understanding of my issue. We became friends as she knew what I was going through since her dad passed away from a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumour.

"During my recovery, I have fundraised for The Brain Tumour Charity as I am a survivor, and I am in a position to help those who have or are going through what I have. The charity has really helped me talk about how I was feeling, especially after the operation, so I want to help them back.

"One event was a gig at The Grapes in Hexham. It was packed and there was no room to move. On the night we had a lot of donations of £10, £20 and £30.

"Next year, I have my place to do the GNR and a few other events to raise money for the charity as I feel much healthier and able to do so with a positive mind set.

"I guess the moral of the story is - don't leave it 10 years since your eye appointment and get routine checks, it could save your life.”