Grandmother Overcomes Brain Tumour to Inspire with Children’s Book

Jan Burrell, a 62-year-old grandmother from Stroud, Gloucestershire, faced a life-altering diagnosis of a brain tumour after years of suffering from migraines. Initially attributing her symptoms to aging, Burrell’s sudden personality changes and physical impairments culminated in a seizure that revealed the presence of a tumour the size of a fist.

For years, Jan endured debilitating migraines, often dismissing them as a natural consequence of growing older. In early 2021, she began experiencing significant personality shifts, including increased irritability and forgetfulness. “I started losing my temper,” she recalls. Despite these changes, she did not disclose her concerns to her husband, Steve Burrell.

In February 2022, during a brief walk to the chemist, Jan experienced a seizure that temporarily impaired her vision and speech. She stated, “When it was my turn to speak at the counter there was the sound of only a grunt.” Her husband quickly took her to the emergency department at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, where further examinations revealed the brain tumour.

“The doctor sat me down and said the words ‘you have a brain tumour’,” Jan described, recalling her immediate reaction of disbelief and fear. Thoughts of her grandchildren flooded her mind, leading to a deep concern about not being able to witness their growth. On May 12, 2022, she underwent a craniotomy at Southmead Hospital, where surgeons successfully removed most of the tumour, which was identified as a slow-growing meningioma.

Following surgery, Jan faced a challenging recovery that included hallucinations due to strong medication. She now lives with quadrantanopia, a condition resulting in permanent vision loss in one quarter of her visual field, necessitating ongoing care from an ophthalmologist. Despite these challenges, Jan found a renewed sense of purpose through creativity.

Determined to leave a legacy for her four-year-old grandson, Finn, Jan wrote a children’s book titled Finn’s Wonderful World. She crafted the story painstakingly, letter by letter, ensuring it was a heartfelt message for Finn should she not be there to share it with him. The process took three years, during which she and Steve saved enough to publish the book.

Every sale of Finn’s Wonderful World supports Brain Tumour Research, a charity that resonates deeply with Jan after her own experience. She expressed, “This book has given me purpose and focus. To see Finn enjoy the story I created for him is the most special gift.”

Letty Greenfield, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, praised Jan’s efforts, stating,

“Jan’s story is incredibly moving and a powerful reminder of the resilience and creativity that can come out of adversity.”

Greenfield emphasized the importance of awareness and funding for brain tumour research, underscoring the significance of Jan’s contributions.

To purchase Finn’s Wonderful World and support brain tumour research, visit JanBurrellArt on Etsy UK. Jan’s journey from diagnosis to authorship not only highlights the resilience of the human spirit but also serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.