Laura Taylor, 34, was diagnosed with benign brain tumour meningioma eight years ago
A young mum who underwent the same surgery as TV star Davina McCall said she emerged with a newfound appreciation for life. Laura Taylor, a 34-year-old mum from Hartford, in Cheshire, was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour known as a meningioma eight years ago after experiencing vision loss in her right eye.
Despite an initial lack of concern over its growth, the tumour expanded by 8mm, leaving her needing urgent surgery. Laura, a writer and mum to two-year-old Arley, underwent a craniotomy in November 2024, shortly after her wedding to 35-year-old joiner Jamie Taylor in October.
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The four-hour operation was daunting but when she woke up Laura said she felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. She said the typically dreary British weather seemed to transform into a stunning “oil painting” and hospital food tasted Michelin-star quality.
Speaking about Davina’s diagnosis, Laura said: “I can’t explain how beautiful life looks, smells and feels. The British weather is so gloomy but it looked like the most beautiful oil painting. The hospital food tastes Michelin-star. I feel so empowered.
“You feel you can never stress about anything ever again – it’s not worth it. Reading about Davina I can relate to what she is feeling.”
Laura revealed how doctors initially believed she was experiencing migraines but a scan uncovered “inflammation” on her brain. She was soon diagnosed with a meningioma which she described as “the best kind of brain tumour a girl can wish for”.
Years went by before a doctor told Laura how the tumour had grown and needed to be removed. Surgery was delayed until after her honeymoon andthe mum finally underwent the procedure on November 7, 2024.
She said: “It was really scary. What if I never see my son again? What if I wake up and my brain is not there? I’m not going to be me.” Instead Laura said she is now “the happiest I have ever been” and is unphased by her scar.
Now with a fresh outlook on life despite her ongoing recovery, Laura returned home from hospital on November 13, 2024. She added: “I’m grateful to the doctors. It was found early. I’m in a lucky position nothing had been damaged. I’ve got this new perspective on life. It’s the marking of a new chapter.”
