Southampton mum with brain tumour takes over university

Israr Jan-Parker, a mother of two, was left paralysed after surgery for a petroclival meningioma discovered in 2019.

She had been suffering from back pain and realised something was wrong when her leg locked in one position.

A scan image showing a white mass which was diagnosed as a meningioma (Image: Brain Tumour Research) Ms Jan-Parker said: "When I came out of surgery, I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t even move my legs.

"I was unable to swallow, one of my eyes was closed and I struggled to see clearly with my other eye.

"I was very confused, and part of my skull was replaced with a titanium plate."

Israr in hospital after surgery (Image: Brain Tumour Research) Despite months of having to drag her locked leg to move, Ms Jan-Parker was only prescribed painkillers from her GP, so she eventually paid for a private MRI scan which revealed the tumour which had been growing for the last 15 years.

She was told she would lose mobility of both her legs and would never regain movement due to nerve damage.

She was also told that without intervention she would only live for nine months due to the tumour causing extreme pressure on her brain.

Son Raphaiel with Israr in hospital (Image: Brain Tumour Research) Fortunately, Ms Jan-Parker’s operation at Southampton General Hospital was brought forward to June.

The surgery was successful, but Ms Jan-Parker was unable to walk.

Every day, the medical team assisted with moving her legs, and after two weeks, she felt a faint sensation in her thigh.

Israr is walking to raise money for Brain Tumour Research (Image: Brain Tumour Research) Within days, her eyesight returned, and in just a few weeks, she was not only walking but also discharged to go home.

This year for Wear a Hat Day, Ms Jan-Parker took over Chichester University where multiple events were held to raise awareness and vital funds to find a cure against this deadly disease.

Chichester University staff (Image: Brain Tumour Research) Ms Jan-Parker said: "Raising funds to find a cure is not just about supporting research; it's about offering hope to those who are still fighting and ensuring that future generations don’t have to face the same challenges.

"Every contribution brings us one step closer to a world where no one has to endure what so many are facing today."

To donate to Ms Jan-Parker’s fundraising page, visit givewheel.com/fundraising/110/my-brain-tumour-battle-a-journey-of-hope-and-determination.