Glasgow mum who had 10-inch tumour removed from skull raises £2.5k for medics who 'saved her life'

Lisa Dumbiotis bravely shaved 17 inches of her hair off at the weekend just five months after she underwent a grueling 10-hour operation.

The 38-year-old says she feels indebted to those at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QUEH) who helped to remove the sizeable lump from her skull. 

READ MORE: Glasgow woman who battled migraines for 23 years before 4-inch tumour was found in her head

In a humble effort to give back to those that helped her, Lisa will hand over the funds from her sponsored head shave to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's neuroscience department.

She said: "I can’t believe we have raised so much. I got a message from my surgeon thanking me but he has nothing to thank me for – he saved my life. I could never be able to repay him."

The cash will go towards the neurological endowment fund, which helps with education and equipment purchases.

Lisa, from Shawlands, added: "The unit doesn’t receive special funding for anything. I think it’s important that the cash goes to them to allow them to do more research into tumors.

“Tumours are a massive killer in the UK and there’s very little research or projects around them.

"I hope that the funds I have raised can help professionals to get a better understanding of them so as they can help others."

Lisa suffered from migraines for 23 years before she noticed something wasn't right. 

After her medication stopped working, her dad urged her to book an appointment at the opticians.

Moments later, she found herself in the back of an ambulance on her way to hospital and within hours, she was told that there was a large growth inside her skull.

The news caused a wave of both shock and relief to Lisa and her family as she was told the tumor was non-cancerous. 

Following her operation, the mum is urging others who suffer from migraines to be aware of the pain brought by the condition and get checked out if it changes or feels different. 

Lisa said: "I have no idea what would have happened if it wasn’t for my the neuroscience department at the QUEH, it is a scary thought. 

“I have heard so many stories similar to mine since I went public and it just shows, you need to be persistent. 

“My tumour would have been missed if I didn’t go to the optician, you really shouldn’t back down if you feel like there is something wrong. Go to your opticians and ask for the check, don’t be afraid to do that.

“So many doctors just gave me medication and sent me home. I know that they have the certificates, but you know your body yourself and you can feel when something is different. 

“Trust yourself and be persistent.” 

Donate to Lisa's fundraiser by visiting HERE.