Carrick woman's eye test '˜discovered brain tumour'

A Carrick man has embarked on a fundraising mission after his wife was diagnosed with a brain tumour - less than a year after their wedding.
Kate Ferguson of Brainwaves NI presents a glass plaque to Lynsey and Simon Trimble.  INCT 27-741-CONKate Ferguson of Brainwaves NI presents a glass plaque to Lynsey and Simon Trimble.  INCT 27-741-CON
Kate Ferguson of Brainwaves NI presents a glass plaque to Lynsey and Simon Trimble. INCT 27-741-CON

Simon Trimble, from the North Road area of the town, took on five separate athletic events to raise funds for Brainwaves NI and Friends of the Cancer Centre.

He was spurred into action after his wife Lynsey (33) was diagnosed with a brain tumour following an eye test.

“We got married at Christmas 2014, and Lynsey was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2015,” Simon told the Times.

Simon and Lynsey presenting a cheque to Sarah Breen from Friends of the Cancer Centre.  INCT 28-720-CONSimon and Lynsey presenting a cheque to Sarah Breen from Friends of the Cancer Centre.  INCT 28-720-CON
Simon and Lynsey presenting a cheque to Sarah Breen from Friends of the Cancer Centre. INCT 28-720-CON

“She’s an optician and they were testing out some of the equipment at work; that’s when it was discovered.

“It was a huge shock for us.”

Following a number of scans confirming the diagnosis, Lynsey immediately underwent brain surgery.

She was able to return home to recover four days later, with an ongoing treatment programme of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Simon and Lynsey presenting a cheque to Sarah Breen from Friends of the Cancer Centre.  INCT 28-720-CONSimon and Lynsey presenting a cheque to Sarah Breen from Friends of the Cancer Centre.  INCT 28-720-CON
Simon and Lynsey presenting a cheque to Sarah Breen from Friends of the Cancer Centre. INCT 28-720-CON

“Lynsey is a strong person and is doing very well with the treatment, while staying active at home and in the gym,” added Simon, 32.

“She received first class care and treatment in Antrim Area Hospital, the Royal Victoria Neurosurgery Ward, the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital, along with the Bridgewater Suite at Belfast City.

“During our time in these places, it became very apparent to us how much help and assistance charities provide to cancer sufferers, their family and friends.

“In particular the ones we benefitted from, but obviously not limited to are MacMillan, NI Hospice, 1 in 3 Cancer Support; Friends of the Cancer Centre and Brainwaves NI.”

In an effort to show his appreciation for the organisations’ help and support, Simon took part in a number of events in recent months, including the Lisburn Half Marathon, the Belfast Marathon Relay, the Forest Fitness ‘Mud Mayhem’ obstacle course outside Carrick, the Castleward 10k, and the Titanic Quarter 10k.

Over £2500 has already been raised through Simon’s JustGiving page for his two chosen charities.

Based in Whitehead, Brainwaves NI provides information and support to all those affected by a brain tumour.

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