Charles’s story
Following a seizure in 2024, Charles underwent brain surgery and treatment for a rare tumour. He is still living with its effects and ongoing monitoring. In September 2026, he completed the Worcester City Runs 10K to raise money for Brain Tumour Support.
I’m not someone who enjoys being in the spotlight, and writing about myself does not come naturally. But I hope that sharing my experience may help someone else feel a little less alone.
A sudden seizure
On the morning of 26 October 2024, I woke up with a headache. The symptoms came on quickly. While paramedics were asking me questions, I had a seizure. To me, it felt like a peaceful sleep.
When I came round, I couldn’t feel my legs. I was carried downstairs, taken to hospital by ambulance and drifted in and out of consciousness.
Scan and surgery
A CT scan confirmed a cyst on the right side of my brain, pressing against the left. On 21 November 2024, I underwent 11 hours of brain surgery.
When I came out of surgery, I was unable to walk. I had expressive aphasia, which made finding and saying words very difficult, as well as some memory loss.
In January 2025, the biopsy results confirmed that I had a grade 3 extraventricular neurocytoma, a rare brain tumour.
The hardest year
The year that followed included radiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and MRI scans every three months. It was one of the hardest things I have ever faced.
The effects of a brain tumour do not stop with the diagnosis or the operation. They become part of everyday life.
I could not have got through that period without the support of my family, friends and complete strangers who reached out with kindness. Their thoughts, prayers and encouragement helped me through some very difficult days.
Huge gratitude
I am also extremely grateful to everyone in the NHS who cared for me. This includes the paramedics, the nurses at the ACU in Worcester, my surgeon, the radiotherapy team, the patient transport drivers and the fellow patients I met along the way. Their courage, humour and dedication meant more than they probably realise.
Brain Tumour Support has been a vital resource during my recovery. The information and guidance they provide have helped me understand and navigate life with a brain tumour.
Ongoing impact
I am still having MRI scans about every four months, and waiting for them brings anxiety.
The tumour changed more than my health. It interrupted the future I had imagined, including my working life, and I still grieve that loss. There are times when I struggle to accept what has happened.
Giving back
In September 2026, I completed the Worcester City Runs 10K to raise money for Brain Tumour Support. I decided to fundraise because I know what it means to have your life turned upside down without warning.
I want to help other people have the support they need when they are facing something similar.
This is my first fundraiser, but it will not be my last. Next up is Ben Nevis!
Completing the 10K was something I am proud of. It did not mean those feelings had disappeared. I can be deeply grateful to the people who have helped me and still feel frightened, frustrated or sad. I hope sharing both sides helps someone else feel less alone.
Charles Obah | September 2026
Need support?
If Charles’s story resonates with you, or you are supporting someone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, you don’t have to face it alone. We are here to support you and your loved ones at any stage. Our support line is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. If you need to leave a message we will contact you as soon as possible.
