A YOUNG mum has told how she was prescribed painkillers for a virus just weeks before she was rushed into hospital for a life saving operation on a brain tumour.

The drama happened after Kirsty Barton had started to suffer headaches and vomiting.

When the 28-year-old went to an out of hours clinic for treatment she was given anti-sickness pills and painkillers and told she was suffering from a virus.

But when her symptoms got worse and she could not get out bed so was rushed hospital where doctors told her she had a brain tumour.

Now after a six hour operation mum-of-two Kirsty, from Eastleigh, is on the mend and is warning others to be aware of the symptoms of brain tumours.

She believes she is lucky to be alive and has thanked the surgeons that saved her.

Kirsty knew something was wrong when she suffered headaches and sickness but weeks after being told she had virus her dad took her to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital when a scan showed she had a tumour and needed and emergency treatment.

The tumour had caused a life-threatening condition known as hydrocephalus – a build-up of fluid on the brain, and which could have caused Kirsty to fall into a coma at any moment.

It was so deep in her brain that it made it a risk to operate but as the symptoms got worse doctors decided to act.

Last month Kirsty endured two gruelling operations at Southampton General Hospital, one to remove the fluid which lasted two hours and a six-hour operation to remove the tumour.

Kirsty, who lives with husband Ash and children, Joey, five, and Sophia, one, said: “I was so scared about not seeing my children growing up but I knew I had to be strong for them. It was heart breaking not being able be a mummy for them and them seeing me so unwell.

“I was annoyed that the tumour had not been picked up on as I felt like the doctors weren’t listening as I knew something was wrong with my body.

“I felt so ill and not on this planet. It was such a relief when they finally discovered it. I just wanted the pain taken away.“I was very grateful for the support of my parents who looked after Joey and Sophia while I was ill but I was determined to recover so I could be around for them.”“Surgery removed most of the tumour but there were some parts they had to leave, due to its close proximity to the brain stem.”

Now on the mend, Kirsty will continue to have MRI scans as there is still the risk the tumour could continue to grow however she is now feeling “optimistic for the future”.

She added: “I am worried that the residual tumour will start growing but I’m trying to keep positive and stay upbeat.“I was shocked to discover that just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this dreadful disease and I would urge anyone who has been inspired by my story to donate to this vital cause.“ I realise how precious life is and I feel very grateful to be alive.”

She is now working with the Brain Tumour Research charity to raise awareness of cancer among children and adults under the age of 40.