Woman’s migraines stop after twin is diagnosed with brain tumor

By Ben Barry via SWNS

A woman whose migraines stopped after her twin was diagnosed with a brain tumor said she has "always had this kind of twin thing" with her sister.

Hilary Stockton was 18 when she began suffering from painful headaches and a change in vision.

At the same time, her identical twin, Hayley, was also suffering from migraines.

Hilary went for an eye test and was referred to HM Stanley Eye Hospital in Abergele, Wales and was sent on to Glan Clwyd Hospital A&E in Rhyl, Wales, where a scan showed a mass on her brain.

She was diagnosed with a low-grade tumor.

The next day she had an operation at the Walton Centre in Liverpool, Merseyside, to remove the tumor.

Once out of surgery, both Hilary’s and Hayley’s migraines stopped.

Inspired by her sister, Hayley is taking on a 100 Squats or Star Jumps a day in November Challenge for Brain Tumour Research.

Brain tumor patient Hilary said: “I have a check-up every couple of years and although I suffer from tunnel vision, I am able to live life without any limitations.

“My sister and I have always been close and I’m proud of Hayley for taking on this challenge for Brain Tumour Research and I’ll certainly be cheering her on throughout the month.”

Hayley, now 47, who is a full-time carer, added: “We’ve always had this kind of twin thing, be it through life’s milestones or sensing when one of us might be feeling a certain way.”

The twins were both also pregnant when Hilary was diagnosed with the tumor, a month before her 19th birthday on December 27, 1993.

When Hilary, from Prestatyn, Denbighshire, underwent brain surgery, it came with the added risk of losing her unborn baby.

“We were all so worried about Hilary. We were given terrifying statistics indicating she, or the baby, may not make it out of surgery," Hayley said.

"It was a traumatic time for the whole family.”

Fortunately, Hilary’s surgery was a success, and the sisters went on to give birth to healthy babies just two weeks apart - Hayley's son Jordan, 29, born November 1, 1993 and Hilary's daughter Shona, born November 16, 1993.

Mel Tiley, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re grateful to Hayley for taking part in the 100 Squats or Star Jumps a Day in November Challenge.

"Her sister’s story demonstrates how brain tumors are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age yet historically just 1 percent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumors.

"This must change and with the support of people like Hayley we can work towards better treatment options and eventually, a cure.”

To donate, visit here.