Girl, 15, thought 'growing pains' were normal - but it was a brain tumour

09 January 2024 , 16:59

505 0

Honey on her 15th birthday after recovering from gruelling brain surgery (Image: No credit)

A schoolgirl's so-called "growing pains" turned out to be a rare and aggressive brain tumour.

Honey Ibbitson, now 15, was just six when she started feeling discomfort in her legs. Her mum Julie, who works as a hairdresser, took her for medical tests where the issue was ruled out as anything serious, with doctors saying she was experiencing a completely normal bout of "growing pains".

But Julie, unsatisfied with the doctor's opinions, pushed for further investigation due to her "mother's instinct". At the age of 10, Honey was told she didn't have growing pains but a rare brain tumour. Honey, from Birmingham, was stable for five years before being told the tumour had grown.

She underwent surgery to remove the growth last November and is now back in school, ready to tackle her mock GCSEs. Julie said: "From the age of six, [Honey] had four years of tests. But the doctors couldn't see anything wrong other than growing pains, which they said were completely normal for her age." She added: "It got to the point where Honey was limping because to walk was too painful at times. My mother's instinct was telling me there was more to it."

"I pushed for a referral to the hospital, but never expected to be told that Honey had something growing in her brain." Honey was eventually diagnosed with a cerebellopontine angle epidermoid cyst. After successful surgery at Birmingham Children's Hospital, she returned to school this month.

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

Girl, 15, thought 'growing pains' were normal - but it was a brain tumour

Honey's scar one week after having surgery (No credit)

Honey aged 10 when she was diagnosed (No credit)

Julie shared: "To look at her, you wouldn't know everything Honey has been through. We feel fortunate that she can return to school and lead the life you'd expect a 15-year-old should. She is keen to get back to school for her mocks, especially drama which is her favourite subject."

"Doctors told us that Honey probably had the tumour when she was in the womb which is terrifying to think about. Had her tumour not been found when it was, Honey could have been left with irreversible conditions and our story may have been very different."

Honey (left) with her family (No credit)

In February, Julie is set to participate in a charity event, '10,000 Steps a Day', for Brain Tumour Research. She said: "The work of Brain Tumour Research is vital if we are to understand the complexity of brain tumours and eventually find a cure. It's heartbreaking that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. I'm determined to be part of the solution."

Honey (right) with mum Julie on a family holiday to Italy (No credit)

Mel Tiley, from Brain Tumour Research, commented: "Honey's story is a stark reminder of the indiscriminate nature of brain tumours. We're incredibly grateful to Julie and Honey for sharing their story. We wish Honey the best of luck in her mock GCSEs and hope that Julie's event is a stomping success." Donations can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Julie1704223932069.