I was told I was nervous at work but now I am blind and on death row

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A young man went blind after doctors warned he was suffering from “work stress”.

Andy Bell, 29, began complaining of severe headaches in August 2019.

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Andy Bell had a brain tumor – but doctors dismissed it for months as a tension headacheCredit: SWNS

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The 29-year-old complained of a pain in his head for several monthsCredit: SWNS

He went to his GP when they didn’t stop, but were told it might have been a migraine due to his job running Carphone Warehouse.

But as the pain continued he ended up having a panic attack, suffered confusion and memory loss, and was referred to the hospital.

Paramedics there also assumed that the work stress was the reason for his layoff.

But months later in January 2020, paramedics discovered a brain tumor, after he was forced to stop while driving due to pain.

He was told he had glioblastoma multiforme – a rapidly growing tumor that develops in the brain.

Andy, from Leicester, is now completely blind despite radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

His aunt, Deb Bell, 48, of Groppi, Lakes, said: “When we got confirmation that he was a GBM, it was like a death sentence.

“Andy didn’t want to know how long he had to live, but Google will tell you it’s 12 to 18 months.

Andy’s tumor was removed at Queens Medical Center (QMC) in Nottingham, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

“Since then, he’s had a few seizures – one of which has dislocated his shoulders.

“Since December 2020, Andy has not had a stable examination. They showed that the tumor had grown, and we were told that there was no longer any treatment available for him.

His eyesight began to deteriorate in October 2021 and he is now completely blind.

Mother of two, Deb, who is a teacher, will walk 10,000 steps every day in February to raise money for brain tumor research.

‘Death sentence’

She said, “I was in complete shock. Andy is like my third son, so I was in absolute disbelief at the thought of losing someone so important to me.”

“The inspiration comes from Andi and he is absolutely amazing. He is an absolute warrior who has never given up or felt sorry for himself.

“Unless you have to face this kind of reality, you don’t understand how harsh the facts are.

“Brain tumors kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically only 1 percent of national cancer research spending has been devoted to this devastating disease.

“If something as simple as going for a walk can raise money to ensure other families don’t go through with this, that’s invaluable.”

Matthew Price, Director of Community Development at Brain Tumor Research, said: “We are really grateful to Deb for taking on this challenge for us because only with the support of people like her can we advance our research into brain tumors and improve outcomes for patients like Andi who have been forced to fight this terrible disease.

“The best part of the 10,000 Steps Daily February Challenge is that you can fit your steps into your daily life.

“That could be having coffee and catching up with friends at your local park, walking your way or jogging at school instead of driving, getting off the bus a few stops early, or walking around your house while on the phone.”

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Andy during treatment for his incurable conditionCredit: SWNS

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Andy Bell and his family during fundraising for brain tumor researchCredit: SWNS

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Doctors missed his symptoms for months after he complained of headaches Credit: SWNSI Now Has Eight Tumors After Doctors Lost Cancer for 5 Years

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