A mother’s episodes of fainting and dizziness were initially attributed to low blood pressure until medical professionals discovered the real underlying issue. Sara Birnie, aged 34, had been suffering from blackouts for a year before doctors identified a tumor obstructing the fluid circulation in her brain.
In January of this year, Sara collapsed twice while having lunch with friends and was swiftly taken to Kettering General Hospital in Northamptonshire. Initially, doctors suspected low blood pressure as the cause, but later that evening, she vomited and lost consciousness again.
A CT scan revealed a small lesion on her brain along with an alarming buildup of fluid. Sara, accompanied by her mother Jeanette, aged 51, and sister Mica, aged 30, was promptly transferred to Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital for urgent brain surgery the following day to alleviate the pressure.
Sara, a mother of two from Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, recounted her ordeal, stating, “I would stand up and everything would go dark. I could hear my heartbeat pounding in my head, and then I would simply black out. It was terrifying because I couldn’t comprehend what was happening. I kept worrying about what might occur if I collapsed while with my children. The fear that something serious could be amiss was always in the back of my mind.”
In January 2025, Sara underwent a procedure to relieve the pressure on her brain.
Reflecting on the swift turn of events, Sara expressed, “Everything happened so quickly. I went from hoping to return home after a few tests to being informed that emergency brain surgery was necessary – it was terrifying. I left home thinking I would be back that night and ended up staying away for a week. My thoughts were consumed by my children and whether I would have the chance to see them again.”
The subsequent day, surgeons drilled into Sara’s skull to drain the fluid and conducted a biopsy of the lesion. Although the mass was only half a millimeter in size, roughly akin to a grain of fine sand, it had impeded the regular flow of fluid around her brain.
Further examinations confirmed that the growth was a low-grade papillary tumor in the pineal region – non-malignant but potentially life-threatening due to its location.
Upon receiving the test results, Sara tearfully expressed, “I was overwhelmed with relief. After weeks of anticipation and preparing for the worst, learning that it wasn’t cancer felt like a second chance at life. It has completely altered my perspective. I now cherish the little things like family walks, watching my children play – things I once took for granted.”
Feeling stronger and motivated to assist others, Sara has joined Brain Tumour Research’s 99 Miles in November challenge.
Sara remarked, “When I came across the challenge on Facebook, I knew I had to participate because not everyone receives the positive news I did. I aim to raise funds for research so that more individuals can have a favorable outcome. Doing this alongside my friends makes it even more meaningful – it’s a positive outcome from a frightening experience.”
Ashley McWilliams, the community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, commended Sara’s resilience and positivity, stating, “Sara’s journey exemplifies how swiftly life can change. From experiencing blackouts to undergoing emergency brain surgery is a harrowing experience, and we admire her strength and optimism. Her determination to transform a frightening ordeal into a force for good is truly inspiring.”
To support Sara in the 99 Miles in November challenge, you can visit her JustGiving page.