Alexis raises £1,500 as she dances back to health

Alexis Strong, aged 31, of Rowley Regis, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in June 2016. She underwent surgery to remove the tumour in August of the same year, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

The 4.5cm by 4.5cm tumour was found after Alexis underwent tests on her eyes. She had previously complained to doctors over symptoms that included headaches, earaches and blurred vision in her left eye.

Now the line-dancing instructor has managed to raise £1,500 in a dancing event held at Quarry Bank Conservative Cub, Brierley Hill, in aid of the Brain Tumour Charity which supported her through her illness and recovery.

Alexis said: "When they found the tumour, they said that because of its size I'd probably had it for about six years.

"I was lucky that the tumour was benign and that they were able to remove all of it.

"I just wanted to hold the line dancing event to raise awareness of brain tumours and the symptoms so people know what to look out for."

Also present at the event was fellow brain tumour patient, former college friend of Alexis and community ambassador for the charity, Cariss Evans, aged 32, of Dudley.

Cariss, who is also a nurse, said: "I was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour in 2014 and was operated on in June of that year.

"I was having intense feelings of déjà vu and could smell things that others couldn't - because, it turns out, my tumour was pressing on the part of the brain that impacts memory and sense of smell.

"Brain tumour research and treatment is drastically under-funded even though it's one of the biggest killers. That's why any way we can raise money and awareness of the illness is so important."

The money raised will now provide seven days of research into brain tumours to help someone suffering with the condition.

Alexis added: "I just want people to go and get checked out if they think they could have anything like a tumour. Don't be put off, it could save your life."