A woman went to hospital with a broken wrist only to be diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Alison Whybrow, 59, was admitted to Royal Stoke University Hospital after suffering a fall at home in November 2022.

While receiving treatment for a broken wrist, Alison unexpectedly lost consciousness from the pain and remained unconscious for over six hours.

Concerned doctors ordered CT and MRI scans, which revealed a 1.5mm low-grade meningioma – the most commonly diagnosed brain tumour in adults – behind her right eye. 

The tumour was fortunately benign, but Alison now has routine annual scans at Royal Stoke Hospital in Staffordshire to monitor the tumour's growth, which may require surgery in the future. 

Alison's daughter, Hannah Munday, 29, said: "If mum had not broken her arm we would never have known she had a brain tumour.

"This is our fourth Christmas since diagnosis, and each one feels more precious than the last.

"You learn very quickly not to take anything for granted.

"Every Christmas we share together is a gift." 

Hannah said Alison kept the diagnosis to herself and Hannah's stepdad, Darryl, to avoid worrying them.

Hannah only found out when she overheard Alison discussing it on the phone with the doctor, she said.

She said: "I was shocked and horrified. It was such a relief to later learn that everything is stable."

Hannah is now working with Brain Tumour Research to raise awareness of brain tumours and the charity's Christmas appeal.

Letty Greenfield, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Stories like this are a powerful reminder of how indiscriminate brain tumours are.

"They can affect anyone at any age.

"Hannah's dedication is inspiring, and it's thanks to people like her that we can continue funding pioneering research and giving hope to all those affected."

Hannah added: "My mum is my best friend, so learning she had a brain tumour was incredibly scary.

"I am so grateful for the research that is happening, research that is so desperately needed.

"Without continued progress, families like mine wouldn't have the hope we hold on to.

"That hope means everything."