Sarah and Leticia’s stories
Sarah’s work and family life changed suddenly in 2018 when she fell ill and was diagnosed with a pituitary tumour. It is a condition which has also affected her cousin Leticia. In order to raise awareness, they both shared their stories ahead of Sarah running the London Marathon 2025 to raise funds in support of others facing a brain tumour diagnosis.
Sarah’s story
In 2018, I was at home alone with my two children, who were seven and six years old at the time. I wasn’t feeling well, but I went about my usual routine. The next thing I knew, I woke up with my face covered in water, and my children were calling my name. My son later told me that I had asked him to call Nana because I wasn’t feeling well. Shortly after, I blacked out again. Most of what happened after that is a blur, but I remember seeing my cousin Leticia and her partner (now husband) with the paramedics.
When I arrived at the hospital, my headache was 1000 times worse. The doctors ran multiple blood tests and MRI scans to find out what was happening.
I never expected to hear that I needed to be transferred to Charing Cross Hospital because they had found a tumour in my pituitary gland. Thankfully, it was confirmed to be benign, and I was placed on steroids to help shrink it.
Management over time
Over the following months, my life changed as I adjusted to treatment and regular check-ups.
After a year of being on steroids and monitoring, the doctors informed me that the tumour had shrunk and that I could manage it with yearly check-ups.
While the experience affected both my work and personal life, I was grateful for the support of my family, especially my children. The diagnosis was unexpected, but with treatment and monitoring, I was able to manage it and move forward.
Running because support matters
With the support of charities like Brain Tumour Support, I was able to better understand what was happening to me. Hearing other stories and receiving advice on how to move forward was essential. So when I got a space in the London Marathon, I didn’t hesitate to start raising money for this wonderful charity.
I run on behalf of my beautiful cousin Leticia and my Uncle Allan, as they have a beautiful story of overcoming and living life to the fullest.
Sarah Davis | March 2025
Leticia’s story
I was diagnosed in 2012, aged 24. I had just finished university the previous year, going through a breakup up and was at an all-time low.
At the time, there was not a lot of information on pituitary tumours, and there were not many stories to read up on to understand what was happening to me.
It’s why charities like Brain Tumour Support are so important. Creating awareness for those impacted but also their families and friends. A way for them not to feel alone.
I was fortunate that medicine worked; it shrank the tumour, and I did not need surgery. They said that after five years, these types of tumours can go away. Unfortunately, in my case, taking me off the meds allowed it to grow.
I will probably be on medication for the rest of my life.
This was a major worry for me, then 29 and looking for the next stage in my life. I was told I may not be able to get pregnant, and that it can cause permanent damage to my eyesight – but others around me gave me hope.
I am now 36 and happy to say I am married, and I recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. I was monitored constantly, and the hospital and its staff were brilliant. I was not able to breastfeed and have had to go back on my medication, but I was fortunate that I managed to get through 35 weeks of pregnancy without taking it.
My boy is a joy!
I wanted to share my story in support of my cousin doing a marathon to raise money for this important charity, and to give others hope.
Leticia Powlett | March 2025
Sarah’s London Marathon
The London Marathon is one of the most inspiring, iconic events in the sporting calendar. So when Sarah found out that she had succeeded in getting a place for 2025, she wanted it to not only be a personal challenge, but also to raise awareness and crucial funds for support to be there for others.
Donations can be made to Sarah’s London Marathon fundraising page below.
Support Sarah’s London MarathonBrain tumours can affect any one of us, irrespective of age, lifestyle or general health, and it is estimated that over 100,000 people in the UK are living with a brain tumour. When faced with this shocking diagnosis, the right support to help navigate the path ahead is vital.
Brain Tumour Support wants to ensure that no one feels alone at any stage of that journey. If you have been inspired by Sarah and Leticia and would like to help us be here for more people like them, there are lots of ways that you can get involved. Our support services are always free to access and rely on the generosity of fundraising and donations to be maintained, and every contribution makes a difference. Thank you so much.
