Craig Alexander, a 35-year-old architect, had long attributed his persistent headaches and dizziness to work-related stress, fatigue, and dehydration. For years, he overlooked these symptoms, believing they were just the toll of his demanding job. However, everything changed in May 2023 when he suffered a tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure while in a car with a colleague, causing him to lose consciousness and convulse uncontrollably for several minutes.
Rushed to a hospital in Hereford, Craig underwent an urgent MRI scan that revealed a large tumour deep within his brain. Measuring 75mm by 35mm, this astrocytoma was the root cause of his symptoms and posed a severe threat to his health. Referred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further evaluation, he learned the tumour had likely been growing slowly for years.
Craig’s treatment journey was grueling. He underwent a seven-hour craniotomy to biopsy the tumour, followed by intense radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The surgery severely impacted his motor and speech functions—he could no longer walk or speak immediately afterward, describing the aftermath as “like having a stroke.” With determination and private therapy, he has made significant recovery, though he still experiences weakness on his left side and occasional foot dragging.
READ MORE: ‘I’ve Not Been Paid’ – Doctor Who Legend Christopher Eccleston Apologizes to Birmingham Fans
READ MORE: Celebrity-Fueled Parking Chaos Threatens Village Life in Clanfield Near Birmingham
The treatments also brought extreme fatigue, forcing Craig to stop working. Regular scans now monitor his condition, as surgical options have been exhausted due to the tumour’s precarious location. Throughout this ordeal, Craig has become an outspoken advocate for brain tumour research, sharing his story to raise awareness about the challenges patients face—not only medically but also in navigating healthcare systems.
Craig highlights the fragmented care he received and stresses the urgent need for improved coordination and support for brain tumour patients. “When you’re dealing with a brain tumour, you shouldn’t also have to fight the system to get even the basic parts of your care,” he says.
He supports the launch of a new manifesto by Brain Tumour Research at the Senedd, calling for immediate action in Wales to improve clinical trial access, incorporate whole genome sequencing into standard care, and increase research funding.
Dr. Karen Noble, Director of Research Policy and Innovation at Brain Tumour Research, underscores the urgency: “Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer death in children and young people, yet patients in Wales are being locked out of innovation. The time to do things differently is now.”
Craig’s story is a powerful reminder that symptoms often dismissed as stress may be signs of something far more serious—and that better awareness, research, and healthcare coordination are critical.