A rare brain tumor diagnosis shocked a vice-principal when he forgot to pick up his wife and couldn’t remember her name. Dr. Neville Collins, aged 76, experienced confusion leading to memory lapses, prompting concerns. Despite initial dismissal by doctors as a mere “collapse,” further evaluations revealed a grade 2 glioma in his front left temporal lobe.
Over the past eight years, Neville’s health has progressively worsened. Recent biopsy results in February confirmed an oligodendroglioma, an uncommon glioma tumor type. Treatment included a six-week radiotherapy regimen and the commencement of a 36-week PCV chemotherapy course in August 2025.
Georgina, Neville’s wife and a business owner, expressed initial shock at his forgetfulness. Despite ongoing health challenges, including prostate cancer and seizures, Neville persisted in his medical journey. The couple faced fragmented care and sought guidance from epilepsy charities to manage his seizures effectively.
By 2023, Neville’s condition deteriorated significantly, with increased frequency of fits and declining overall well-being. Following a prolonged wait, a biopsy in February 2025 confirmed the presence of an oligodendroglioma. Treatment involved radiotherapy and ongoing chemotherapy.
Georgina highlighted Neville’s enduring struggles with memory loss, mood swings, and physical impairments, limiting his independence. Despite these challenges, Neville remains determined and finds solace in physical activity like gym sessions. Georgina’s collaboration with Brain Tumour Research aims to raise awareness and funding for improved diagnosis and research in brain tumor treatment.
Ashley McWilliams, Brain Tumour Research’s community development manager, emphasized the critical need for earlier diagnosis, comprehensive care, and increased research funding. Georgina’s efforts to raise awareness and funds for brain tumor research were praised, aiming to bring hope for a cure.