A WHITTINGTON woman has shared her story of caring for her partner after a devastating and life-changing brain tumour as part of national awareness day next week.

Julie Morris, who also works in Ellesmere, will be taking part in Wear A Hat Day on Friday, March 26 as part of Brain Tumour Awareness Month, to show her life with partner Malcolm Watson, who needs 24/7 care as his mobility, cognition and ability to communicate have been severely impacted by his brain tumour.

Additionally, Malcolm has to be fed via a tube into his stomach.

Julie, 56, from Whittington, met Malcolm 26 years ago in a pub and she said that they used to enjoy a full life before a diagnosis that changed everything six years ago.

“Malcolm and I used to love walking, eating out and going to the pub, as well as having holidays abroad," she said.

"He worked for Scottish Power for 38 years and was an avid fly-fisher.

“But, in 2015, Malcolm was finally diagnosed, aged 61, with a low-grade meningioma brain tumour, having experienced muscle aches in his arms and legs for about 10 years, which were put down to age-related arthritis, and, more recently, severe headaches.

"He underwent surgery at Royal Stoke University Hospital, only for the tumour to reoccur three years later.

"Malcolm was very poorly after his second craniotomy in June 2018 when surgeons were unable to remove all of the tumour because it’s wrapped around his brain stem.

"He couldn’t have radiotherapy either, because doctors weren’t sure he was clinically fit enough and I felt that our time together was more precious than risking his health further.”

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In September 2020, Julie made the decision to take Malcolm back home and arranged carers after Covid-19 forced the care home to close visiting for Julie.

She added: “It was very difficult for Malcolm and me being apart, especially with Malcolm’s limited ability to communicate which meant talking on the phone was nigh on impossible, so in September last year I brought him home, having organised carers.

“It’s really good to have something so positive to look forward to with Wear A Hat Day.

"We are excited about donning our best hats, sharing photos and asking friends to donate to this vital cause to help find a cure for this terrible disease.”

This year’s Wear A Hat Day – which has raised more than £2 million in its 12 years – is paying tribute to key worker families who have played a pivotal role throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Brain Tumour Research is inviting people to join in the fun of Wear A Hat Day by donning their best headwear, while Sue Farrington Smith MBE, chief executive of Brain Tumour Research, said: “The pandemic hit Wear A Hat Day hard last year and meant we brought in £250,000 less than we had hoped.

"Despite the challenges of the first lockdown, we were amazed by our dedicated supporters who still came up with inventive ways to take part."

You can register to take part at www.wearahatday.org