A young mum's life was devastatingly cut short due to a brain tumour, which manifested as what seemed to be a stress-induced headache - but soon revealed itself as far more grievous.
At 41, Nicolette Richardson, an osteopath by profession, experienced a sudden headache and visited her GP on November 16, 2020. Initially attributed to work-related stress, she was advised to seek A&E attention if the pain persisted after taking painkillers. However, the situation escalated rapidly on the very same day.
Following an MRI at Charing Cross Hospital, Nicolette was hit with the grim reality of a stage four glioblastoma brain tumour. Despite an urgent operation on November 23 to excise the cancer, she suffered paralysis and blindness as a consequence.
Nicolette’s health declined sharply; she fell into a coma and tragically passed away on November 30. Her partner, Austen Ham-Howes, aged 45, has since opened up about the shocking speed of her decline, reports the Irish Mirror.
Austen described their heart-rending experience: "One minute, we were viewing houses where we planned to build a future together - the next, Nicolette was taken ill. Suddenly, I was thrust into a world where the mother of my child was fighting for her life."
Glioblastoma stands as one of the most lethal types of brain cancer, known for its fast progression. Following her surgery, Nicolette's condition deteriorated immensely, resulting in paralysis on her left side, complete loss of vision in one eye, and severely compromised sight in the other.
A heartrending upheaval has left Austen devastated. He said: "Nicolette had zero symptoms, yet our whole lives were turned upside down in just weeks and we were cheated of the chance to have a fair fight against this disease."
For Austen, the rapid turn of events has been exceptionally difficult.
"I know it was wrong, but I felt so jealous of people who had time to come to terms with this devastating disease. For us, it felt as quick as ripping off a plaster."
Following an urgent operation, Nicolette was induced into a coma by medical professionals and then, lamentably, never woke up again. Now, after five years, both Austen and his daughter Isabella dedicate their efforts to support Brain Tumour Research in loving memory of Nicolette.
Support flows from Richmond Osteopaths, the clinic once run by Nicolette, with Austen pledging £2 from each treatment throughout Brain Tumour Awareness Month in March 2025.
Reflecting on the changed perspective they now possess, Austen confides that he and his eight year old daughter Isabella lend strength to one another as they navigate the journey towards healing.
"We try to live with positivity, and we try to honour her mum every single day."
The emotional narrative has touched many, including Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, who responded: "Nicolette's story is incredibly moving and we're grateful to Austen for sharing it with us.
"It's a stark reminder that brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002. It's only by working together that we can change this. We fully support Austen's fundraising and would like to thank him and the team at Richmond Osteopaths for their support."
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