BBC presenter opens up on ‘total shock’ over brain tumour diagnosis after horror bike crash

BBC Scotland presenter Glenn Campbell has told of his “total shock” at being diagnosed with a brain tumour last year. The broadcaster was given the devastating news after he was rushed to hospital following a bike crash in June 2023. 2 Glenn Campbell was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year Credit: BBC 2 The BBC Scotland presenter was involved in a horror bike smash The frightening incident left Campbell, from Islay, with ten broken ribs and a bloodied face.

An MRI scan later alerted doctors to the cancer and he underwent a gruelling operation to remove most of the tumour . The five-hour surgery was a success, leaving Campbell “euphoric” and “overwhelmed to be alive”. Speaking to the BBC , the political editor told of his devastation at the diagnosis.

Read more TV CHEEKY CHAP Two Doors Down star unrecognisable in side-splitting first telly appearance BACK ON THE BEAT Line of Duty star reveals biggest update yet on dramatic new series He said he is “not afraid of dying” but fears missing out on family milestones. “For about six weeks, the situation looked very bleak. The most likely scenario seemed to be that I had a glioblastoma – a fast growing cancerous tumour for which the average life expectancy after diagnosis is 12 to 18 months.

“I could hardly believe it. I would probably be dead before I was 50 – assuming I could safely get through surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible. “The hardest thing was to tell my children Cameron, 20, and Katie, 17, what was happening to me.

Getting through that without breaking down was a relief. Most read in News TV TOUGH STUFF Scots Gladiator star Sheli McCoy branded ‘beautiful’ as she poses in gym wear CAST-OFF The Scots series which launched every reality show from Love Island to Traitors GOOD GORD Gordon Ramsay fans all have same complaint about £18 roll- and it’s not the price CHEEKY CHAP Two Doors Down star unrecognisable in side-splitting first telly appearance “I was surprised to discover that I am not afraid of dying. It turns out my biggest fear is FOMO – the fear of missing out.

“Missing out on growing old with my wife. Missing out on seeing my children complete their journeys into adulthood. “Missing out on their graduations, weddings and the arrival of any children they might have.

“I told family and friends that I loved them and hoped for the best. ” Campbell was diagnosed with a rare tumour, oligodendroglioma, and began gruelling rounds of chemotherapy. He added: “I don’t want to pretend I have not experienced side effects.

“I found radiotherapy very tiring. Chemotherapy has made me feel nauseous and fatigued. “All of this increases my risk of further seizures, which I am very keen to avoid.

I manage this with medication and making plenty of time for rest. “This is frustrating for someone who likes to keep busy – but the prize for good behaviour is huge. “If this phase of my treatment is successful it should be possible to keep my tumour in check for some years to come.

Read more on the Scottish Sun PIZZA SCOTLAND Amateur chef creates bizarre new ‘Scottish pizza’ – but people are divided SPRAY AWAY ‘My go-to perfumes as a millionaire Dubai wifey’ if you want to smell expensive “Instead of worrying about dying from brain cancer, I can see the potential for it to give me a new lease of life. ” The broadcaster is now focusing his efforts on fundraising for Brain Tumour Research , which works to find a cure and increase research into the devastating disease. .