Kirsty Gallacher, beloved former Sky Sports News presenter, recently shared some serious health news. Fans were shocked to hear that she initially mistook the symptoms of her inoperable brain tumour for a simple cold! The 49-year-old has been living with an acoustic neuroma, a rare tumour affecting her hearing and balance, since her diagnosis in 2021. This condition has led to severe tinnitus and hearing loss, prompting her to step back from TV roles.
In an intimate chat with Fabulous Magazine, Kirsty described the moment she realised something was wrong. During rehearsals for GB News, she suddenly couldn’t hear properly. Initially thinking it might be a cold, doctors later revealed it was much more serious. The non-cancerous growth is pressing on her brain and needs targeted radiotherapy, scheduled for November. Kirsty bravely opened up about the impact of her symptoms on social confidence, sharing that she’s now a pro at lip-reading and chooses to focus on the positives where she can.
Despite the energy-draining tinnitus and the impending radiotherapy, Kirsty feels lucky that the tumour is benign and manageable. She hopes the treatment will shrink the tumour, keeping it from affecting her even further. The road ahead might be daunting, but Kirsty remains positive and determined to continue living her life to the fullest.
Reflecting on her career, Kirsty has shared her expertise across major networks, having started with Sky Sports back in 1998. She’s even graced the stages of shows like Gladiators and Saturday Night Takeaway. However, the early mornings at GB News proved too challenging alongside her condition. Kirsty chose to step back, prioritising her health and tackling her current symptoms head-on.
Here’s hoping for a successful treatment and a smooth recovery for Kirsty! Let’s send her all our love and support. 💪💕