The blindness of a shop manager at 29 years old was caused by two misdiagnoses from doctors.
Andi Peel from Leicester began to experience severe headaches in August 2019 while she was running the Carphone Warehouse mobile telephone store.
After the pain worsened, he saw his GP and was told that he likely had migraines due to the job pressure.
Peel suffered a panic attack that left him confused and with no memory. He was then referred to Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Doctors once more put an end to the stress of work and sent him off.
The tumour was diagnosed in January 2020 after Peel pulled over his car due to severe pain.
Peel was told by his doctor that he has glioblastomamultiforme, which is a rapid-growing tumour that develops in the brain.
He has been completely blinded since the tumor grew despite chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Andi (pictured), originally from Leicester, developed severe headaches during August 2019, when she managed a Carphone Warehouse cell phone shop.
Following the continued pain, Mr Peel saw his GP. The doctor told him that he likely had migraines due to the job pressure. Doctors once more attributed the pain to stress at work and released him. He was diagnosed with glioblastomamultiforme, which is a rapid-growing tumour that develops in the brain. The cancer has grown and, despite chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, he is now completely blind.
Deb Peel (48), a aunt of Mr Peel from Groby, Leicester said that Andi visited his GP who diagnosed him with migraines. But then he experienced confusion and panic attacks and couldn’t recall anything.
In October 2021, Mr Peel began to lose his vision and is now totally blind.
“He visited Leicester Royal Infirmary. But they told him it was stress.
“I was shocked. Andi, my third son is similar to mine so it was a shock that I would lose someone so significant.
“When we received confirmation it was a GBM it was almost like death.
Andi was not interested in knowing how long he’d live. However, Google will show you that it takes between 12 and 18 months.
After radiotherapy, chemotherapy and removal of the tumor at Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC), in Nottingham, ‘Andi’ received treatment.
“Since that time, he’s had several seizures, one of which caused him to dislocate both his shoulders.
“Andi has not had stable scans since December 2020. The scans showed that Andi’s tumour had grown and they have told us there is no treatment for him.
His vision has been progressively worsened since October 2021. He is now completely blind.
Teacher and mother-of-2 Ms. Peel will be walking 10,000 steps daily in February to help raise money for Brain Tumour Research.
She stated that Andi is the inspiration. He is an unstoppable warrior, who never gave up on himself or felt sorry for him.
“Until faced with this kind of reality, one doesn’t realize how brutal the facts can be.”
Mrs. Deb Peel (pictured wearing a fundraising T-shirt) is a mother-of-two who will walk 10,000 steps each day to help raise funds for Brain Tumour Research.
Ms. Peel said that Andi (pictured right, with his cousins), is her inspiration. He’s an absolute fighter who has never lost heart or been sorry for his actions.
Brain tumours are the most deadly form of cancer that kills children under 40 years old. Yet, only 1% of national cancer research funding has ever been dedicated to this terrible disease.
“If even a small thing, such as going on a walk to raise funds for other families that don’t have this experience, it is worth every penny.”
Matthew Price, Brain Tumour Research’s community development manager said that Deb was a great supporter of our work. It is only through people like Deb that we can continue to research brain tumors and make a difference for Andi’s battle against this terrible disease.
The best thing about the 10,000 Steps a Day Challenge in February is how you can incorporate your steps into your daily life.
This could include a morning coffee, catching up at a local park with friends, taking the bus less frequently, walking the streets, and walking the dog while on the phone.
“You can even join forces with colleagues or friends to complete your steps.