Glenn Campbell, BBC Scotland’s political editor, has documented his fight with a brain tumour in a deeply personal film, “My Brain Tumour and Me.” What began as a routine accident—a bicycle crash in June 2023—uncovered a far more serious health challenge: a cancerous brain tumour. Through his journey, Glenn shares his battle against a disease that typically leads to a grim prognosis.
From Bicycle Crash to Brain Tumour Diagnosis
Glenn’s ordeal began with a serious bicycle accident, where he broke ten ribs. However, it was a seizure that followed shortly after that led doctors to discover a life-changing diagnosis—a cancerous brain tumour. Initially feared to be an aggressive glioblastoma, a tumour that has a poor prognosis, Glenn’s tumour was later identified as an oligodendroglioma, a rarer form of brain cancer that responds better to treatment.
During this difficult time, Glenn chose to document his experience. With a camera phone in hand, he captured his thoughts and emotions, sharing his story as he navigated his way through a battle that threatened his life.
Surgery and Treatment: A New Lease on Life
After undergoing surgery by renowned brain surgeon Paul Brennan, Glenn’s tumour was significantly reduced. Although his recovery process was far from simple, the surgery, along with subsequent radiotherapy and chemotherapy, has kept his cancer in check for the time being.
Despite the challenges, Glenn remains optimistic. “I’m still going strong,” he shared, noting that while the tumour is stable for now, regular scans will continue to monitor its growth. The unpredictability of his condition, however, remains a source of uncertainty.
The Impact of Treatment: Fatigue and Seizures
Living with brain cancer is not only about the tumour itself but also the toll treatment takes on the body. For Glenn, persistent fatigue and the ongoing risk of seizures have been the most challenging aspects of recovery. He has learned to manage these side effects through adjustments in medication and a careful daily routine, including naps and a thoughtful approach to managing his energy.
In December 2023, Glenn experienced a severe seizure that put him in intensive care. This event marked the lowest point in his battle. “I felt as if I had only narrowly escaped death,” he recalled, a stark contrast to the euphoric feeling of survival after his surgery. However, with medical adjustments, he managed to regain confidence, even returning to his passion for hiking in the Scottish hills.
A Seizure on the Hill
In early 2024, Glenn experienced another seizure during a hike in the Perthshire mountains, a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of his condition. Despite feeling well, he was suddenly incapacitated by a seizure while climbing Meall nan Tarmachan. Although his friend and fellow hiker, Nikolaj, helped him remain comfortable, Glenn’s condition worsened to the point where he required a Coastguard helicopter to transport him to the hospital.
This seizure, one of only a handful Glenn has had, was particularly frustrating given how good he had felt beforehand. The dramatic incident was filmed by his hiking companion and became part of the film documenting Glenn’s experience with the illness.
Offering Insight Into an Incurable Cancer
“My Brain Tumour and Me” is not just a personal diary; it is Glenn’s attempt to raise awareness about the realities of living with an incurable cancer. The film also features testimonies from his wife, Claire, and mother, Jennifer, as they share the emotional toll the diagnosis has taken on their family. Glenn hopes that by documenting his journey, he can offer others a rare and honest insight into what it’s like to live with a brain tumour that is not well understood by the public.
Glenn’s story is one of resilience and survival against the odds. While the future remains uncertain, his dedication to sharing his experience brings hope and understanding to others facing similar battles.
