UHNM saves patients life after brain tumour mistaken for heatstroke

A Welsh young farmer who thought she was suffering from heatstroke has returned to University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) to personally thank the staff who helped save her life and to present a donation to UHNM Charity.

Moli Morgan, 22, was on holiday in Turkey when she had two seizures. After visiting doctors and being told it was heatstroke, she flew home but decided to get checked out at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Following various tests, a CT scan and MRI scan showed Moli had a brain tumour, and it needed to be removed.

Moli, of Llanerfyl, said: “It was a massive shock to be told I had a brain tumour, as I had never suffered any symptoms before. I have only ever had a migraine but didn’t think anything of it at the time. Everything seemed to happen quickly from being told it was a tumour and what the plan would be next.”

Moli was transferred to the specialist neurology centre of excellence at Royal Stoke where she met with Dr Erminia Albanese, consultant neurologist and her team to discuss her options. It was decided the tumour should be removed by an awake craniotomy.

During the surgery, it was vital Moli, whose first language is Welsh, had an interpreter with her so she could talk throughout the surgery and the team could do all the checks to ensure she didn’t lose the ability to speak Welsh after the operation.

Moli added: “I don’t remember much from the surgery, but I know Ben my interpreter was amazing. He kept me talking throughout, making sure I was answering everything correctly. Gill Cooke was also present who was amazing and tested my English while I was awake.”

Dr Albanese said: “It was important we had our interpreter, Ben, with us during the operation. He would say a word in English and Moli had to reply in Welsh to ensure she could speak both Welsh and English after the tumour was removed.

“It was amazing to see Moli and her Mum, her recovery has been incredible, and it’s great to see her doing well after the surgery.”
Moli added: “It’s so nice coming back and seeing everyone. The care has been amazing, and I am so thankful for what everyone did for me. I feel back to normal, doing well and happy we can support UHNM Charity with our donation.”

Moli and her Mum, Carol, presented a cheque for £345 to Ward 228 and members of the UHNM Charity team, which was raised through a carol singing night organised by The Wales Federation of Young Farmers.

Carol said: “It’s so nice to be back here to see and thank everyone for their care. We have lots of memories of being here and our outcome has been very good.

“We are so happy to raise the money for UHNM Charity and hope the money will go towards benefiting the patients here at the hospital.”

If you would like to fundraise for UHNM Charity visit www.uhnmcharity.org.uk for more information, or call 01782 676444 to speak to one of the UHNM Charity team.