**Routine Eye Test Leads to Shock Brain Tumour Discovery for Northamptonshire Woman**
A routine visit to the optician turned into a life-altering series of events for a woman in Northamptonshire, who was soon to find herself facing both brain surgery and a cancer diagnosis in a matter of months. Elizabeth Craig, 55, from Corby, had anticipated nothing more than a simple check-up at her local Specsavers in January 2022. However, what followed was a dramatic escalation in her medical journey, culminating in surgeries, specialist consultations, and a renewed purpose to raise awareness about the importance of routine health screenings.
The initial alarm came when Elizabeth’s optician noticed some irregularities during her examination. Despite there being no visible issue with the eye, she was found to have lost vision in her left eye. This prompted a rapid referral to Kettering General Hospital for further assessment. Subsequent MRI scans uncovered a meningioma—a type of brain tumour—pressing on her optic nerve. The news, as Elizabeth described, left her utterly overwhelmed, having gone from expecting a prescription for new glasses to discussions about urgent brain surgery in just a few short days.
In an unexpected twist of fate, Elizabeth’s challenges only intensified. Four months after her brain tumour diagnosis, a follow-up CT scan revealed yet another threat: a suspicious nodule in her right breast. Testing at the breast clinic confirmed that she was also facing breast cancer. The compounded diagnoses, received in such quick succession, left Elizabeth reeling and forced her to confront the precariousness of her situation. Understandably, she kept the worrying news private for some time, not wishing to burden loved ones unnecessarily.
Despite being in a relatively new relationship, Elizabeth eventually shared her ordeal with her partner Paul, who provided steadfast support throughout her ordeal. The following months were filled with difficult decisions and invasive treatments. Elizabeth underwent a mastectomy and lymph node removal, followed by rounds of radiotherapy. It wasn’t until June 2023 that she finally received the all-clear from breast cancer, marking a significant turning point in her recovery journey.
But her challenges were far from over. The remaining task was to address the brain tumour, which, despite being non-cancerous, posed significant health risks due to its location. In a positive twist, Elizabeth chose to postpone her operation until after a happy milestone—her wedding to Paul in June 2024. This decision reflected her determination to seize moments of joy despite her health struggles.
Elizabeth returned to John Radcliffe Hospital in February 2025 for a complex nine-hour operation to remove most of the brain tumour. The surgery was successful, and she began her long road to recovery soon after. The experience left her with a renewed sense of purpose, encouraging her to give back to the community that had supported her.
Now, Elizabeth is channelling her strength into advocacy and fundraising. She has joined Brain Tumour Research’s “88 Squats a Day in July” challenge, a campaign aiming to highlight the underfunding of brain tumour research. By completing 88 squats each day, she symbolically represents the £2,740 daily cost of running one of the charity’s research centres. Her efforts are both a personal tribute and a call to action for more investment into brain tumour studies, highlighting the fact that these tumours claim more lives of children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer type.
Reflecting on her journey, Elizabeth expressed her desire to help others and increase awareness, saying: “Until it happened to me, I didn’t realise how little funding goes into brain tumour research. I want to help change that, even if it’s in a small way.” Her story serves as an important reminder not only of the hidden dangers a routine eye test can reveal but also of the resilience needed to confront sudden, life-changing news.
Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, praised Elizabeth’s commitment, stating: “Her courage to face these challenges and her determination to make a difference is truly inspiring. We are grateful for her support and wish her all the best in her fundraising efforts.”
Those wishing to support Elizabeth’s challenge can do so through her dedicated charity page. Her journey stands as a testament to the indiscriminate nature of serious illness, while also highlighting the vital importance of early detection and the support offered by charities.
As Elizabeth continues her recovery, her determination to raise awareness and funds is expected to leave a lasting mark on the communities she seeks to help, underscoring the essential role of perseverance and hope in the battle against illness.