A LORRY driver from Andover who had “a funny turn” while at the wheel and forgot how to drive was shocked to discover he had a brain tumour.
In September 2022 Mark O’Meara, from Andover, was on the M27 when he suddenly lost sensation in the right side of his body.
He immediately pulled over and dialled 999 which saw him rushed to Southampton General Hospital.
An MRI scan revealed the shocking discovery of a lesion on his brain, likely to be a glioma. The 47-year-old was forced to hand in his driving licence.
He said: “I thought I was having a stroke or had a trapped nerve as I suddenly lost sensation on the right side of my body and had a funny turn. I forgot how to do everything, including how to drive.”
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A follow-up scan in December showed no change to the broad bean-sized tumour growing on Mark’s brain. He has since regained mobility in his arm and leg.
The keen runner underwent brain surgery on Monday, April 3, just days before he was due to take on a planned 200-mile running feat in South Wales to raise money for Brain Tumour Research, which he must now postpone.
Mark said: “The plan is to recover from my operation and take on the challenge at the end of the year instead.
"My diagnosis has meant I am not able to drive and I’ve been signed off long-term sick but I have still been able to run. I've been an ultra-runner for some time now and thankfully the amazing neuro team in Southampton were happy for me to keep running. I used to run 50 miles a week and went to the gym everyday and I’ve carried that on as best I can since I was told about my brain tumour.”
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Mark has so far raised £1,000 for the charity and is hoping to take on the Wild Horse 200 later in the year.
Speaking before his surgery, Mark said: “My diagnosis has made me stop and realise there is more to life than work. I found myself working long days, starting early in the morning and finishing late. In a way, it’s been the best thing to happen to me to make me realise what is important.”
To donate to Brain Tumour Research via Mark’s fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Mark-O-Meara1
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