A 27-year-old primary school teacher from Stoke-on-Trent, Kimberley Baggley, is making headlines as she shares her personal battle with brain cancer, drawing parallels with TV presenter Davina McCall's recent disclosure of her own health struggles. On November 15, McCall revealed her diagnosis of a benign colloid cyst discovered during a routine body scan. Baggley, who was diagnosed with the aggressive grade 3 astrocytoma earlier, hopes her story will shed light on the lesser-known aspects of brain tumor diagnosis.
For Baggley, this experience began with debilitating migraines and facial tingling, which led her to seek medical attention multiple times, only to be sent home with painkillers. Her life took a severe turn when she had a seizure; after being rushed to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, scans revealed the presence of the tumor. "It was probably one of the scariest things I’ve ever had to face," she reflected, highlighting the parallels between her ordeal and McCall's.
Kimberley underwent a craniotomy where surgeons removed around 95% of her tumor. After going through 33 rounds of radiotherapy and preparing for her eleventh round of chemotherapy, she expressed gratitude for the media attention McCall's diagnosis has generated. The situation illuminates the stark realities faced by those without access to private healthcare, as many patients like Baggley cannot afford private scans.
Reflecting on McCall’s initial diagnosis, Baggley characterized the presenter’s experience as one of luck, having had the opportunity to undergo necessary scans swiftly. “Davina, in a way, has been very, very lucky - she was offered a private scan. But normal people, like me, can't afford it,” she stated poignantly. Baggley aims to take the opportunity to encourage those hesitant to pursue their health issues: "Research tumors, go to the doctors and say, 'I'm not giving up.'" Her sentiment emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, especially when symptoms present themselves.
During her ordeal, Kimberley learned to navigate the complex world of brain tumor treatment. She recognizes the sheer difficulty faced by others who can’t access timely diagnostics or information – highlighting the general lack of awareness surrounding brain tumors. “There isn’t much information available for ‘normal’ people who need to go back and forth to their GP,” Baggley expressed.
Meanwhile, Davina McCall's announcement has put brain health firmly on the public agenda. Having launched her podcast Begin Again just before her surgery, McCall is determined to continue with her show, believing it is increasingly important to discuss topics concerning mental health and well-being. McCall prepared several episodes beforehand, ensuring her podcast remains uninterrupted during her recovery. "There will be no break in the series run whilst she is out of the spotlight," shared sources close to her.
Kimberley commended Davina for her openness about her medical condition: "This is going to bring more light to brain tumors. The first thing I thought of was how they explained the procedure on the lunchtime news, how many people are diagnosed each year. The word is out there." Such discussions can be transformative, serving to demystify brain tumors for the general public.
Despite their different experiences, both women share the commonality of persistent strength amid adversity. Kimberley expresses her heartfelt wishes for McCall’s recovery, urging her to stay positive and maintain her engaging sense of humor. "Remember, you’re human, not a statistic," Baggley advised, hoping to convey the message of resilience to both McCall and the wider audience impacted by similar issues.
Back at home, after completing extensive treatment, Kimberley is eager to return to her normal life. She eagerly anticipates the days when she can be the mom she was before her diagnosis. “I’m finally starting to feel like I’m coming out of the other side of this. I just can’t wait to get back to the old me,” she shared with unmistakable hope.
Kimberley’s story, along with Davina's, serves as both a call to action for increased awareness and compassion for those suffering under the burden of rare diseases such as brain tumors. It highlights how important early detection and treatment are, along with the desperate need for accessible healthcare options for everyone. Their common experiences are not just about illness but resilience, encouragement, and raising awareness about tumors often overlooked until it’s too late.
