Brain surgery patient completes fundraising triathlon for hospital staff

A former patient who needed life-saving brain surgery has returned to UHNM to thank the staff who cared for her.

Almost three years ago years ago Lisa Bentham from Crewe was diagnosed with a brain tumour after collapsing whilst at work.

After having life-saving surgery at Royal Stoke, Lisa, who’s now fully recovered, completed in the North West Triathlon raising £1,250 for the ‘fantastic’ Neurosurgery Department who cared for her.

She said: “I didn’t realise I had a tumour, it all happened very suddenly. You read things and think people must know if there’s something really wrong with them, but I honestly didn’t.

“The staff at UHNM were angels- there checking on me constantly when I opened my eyes during the night and through the day making sure I was alright.”

“The triathlon went really well and the training was quite enjoyable actually. It was good to be getting back into the swing of things following being unwell and the pandemic. The weather was kind and all my family came to cheer me on. I have to say I was relieved when I’d finished but it felt good to be giving something back to the team at UHNM who I can’t speak highly enough of.”

Dr Erminia Albanese, Consultant in Neurosurgery added: “We are humbled by Lisa’s generosity and thankful for her commitment to support the Neurology Department. This donation through UHNM Charity will make a huge impact on nurses and doctors with a special interest in brain tumours to help enhance patients experience in their care.”