A BRAIN tumour survivor is living each day to the full after an operation to remove a tumour she named ‘Marvin’.

Nikki Stearman, 51, refused to be bowed after the mass was discovered and held a naming event saying she had a 'dark sense of humour.'

Ms Stearman said: “A friend of mine introduced me to her mate who also had a brain tumour and she had named hers Nigel.

“We call each other Twinny and having a dark sense of humour we even had a naming event, which consisted of a book with names for a baby and a bottle of Prosecco.”

She added: “I told my surgeon about naming my tumour and she was impressed by both my humour and positivity.”

Ms Stearman first noticed she was suffering from memory difficulties at the beginning of 2017 and her GP sent her for an MRI scan where the mass was spotted.

The tumour was found to be non-cancerous and was removed during a long operation at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham in May last year.

Ms Stearman who works for Worcestershire County Council as a community learning manager, and lives in Redditch, said: “My colleagues have been wonderful and when I couldn’t drive they offered me lifts.

“HR have been supportive and I’ve had a phased return to work, after six months off, completing my first full day back on Monday [January 6].

“I’m glad to be back - I’m going through many emails so it’s taking me a bit of time to catch up!

“Anyone worried about symptoms, should just go and get checked. It’s better to be on the safe side. My outlook has changed and I take each day as if it’s my last - don’t put off things - do them right away."

Richard Taylor assistant director for human resources, organisational development and engagement, said: “We are delighted to see Nikki back at work and doing well. We take health very seriously and offer a range of measures to help support any member of staff facing challenging health concerns."