Brain tumour is a ticking timebomb in brave Kirsty's head

Published on Wednesday 25 March 2009 09:14

KIRSTY HARRISON seems like any other teenager. She goes to college, hangs out with her friends, and dreams of her future career – in her case, as a play therapist for sick children.

But the 18-year-old Penicuik girl is also living with a secret. Inside her head, there is a potential ticking timebomb.

Seven years ago, Kirsty was diagnosed with a brain tumour which cannot be treated through surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and doctors have no idea if, or when, it may begin to grow.

Far from dwelling on her condition, however, Kirsty has amazed friends and family with her positive outlook and appetite for life.

Her father Colin, 51, said: "Because we live with it every day, we tend to get a bit blas about it.

"Other people have said she's the bravest person they know but she just doesn't like being left out of things. She's 18 and she thinks life is for living.

"I suppose she is a bit inspirational but we just try and treat her as normally as possible."

When Kirsty's condition was first diagnosed at the age of 11, Mr Harrison and wife Jenny, 53, were told she was just ten days from death. The tumour had caused hydrocephalus, or water on the brain. Surgeons operated immediately to relieve the pressure, but she was left with lasting memory loss and balance problems.

Since then the tumour has remained stable, but doctors say that her future is impossible to predict.

"The original diagnosis was that it could be six days, six months, six years, or 60 years," said Mr Harrison, a retired civil servant.

Two or three times a year, former Penicuik High pupil Kirsty has MRI scans at the Sick Kids Hospital and the Western General to check the tumour has not grown, but in between appointments, despite the shadow hanging over them, the family continue daily life just like any other.

Now the Telford College student is pouring her energies into raising money to help other youngsters suffering from cancer by organising a fundraising dinner at Itihaas, the Dalkeith Indian restaurant run by family friend Matin Khan.

Half of the night's proceeds will go to help the Bournemouth-based Youth Cancer Trust, which offers free activity holidays for sick young people and their friends.

Kirsty said: "I wanted to do it because they've helped me so much. The guys that are down there are like your best friends, they're just brilliant. I've been down there four times and I've been water-skiing, horse-riding, and we went on a million-dollar yacht. It was amazing."

Her father added: "She's had so much help from them and we can see the difference in her when she comes back. She's more confident, she's more alive, it gives her a big boost. They do so much for the youngsters. If they want a pizza after midnight, they'll get her a pizza after midnight. I'm really proud of her for doing it – she's a wee star."

Itihaas, in Eskbank Road, will be open from 12.30pm until 11pm on Sunday for the fundraising event. Booking is recommended on 0131-663 9800.