Vice Principal’s Memory Loss Leads to Rare Brain Tumor Diagnosis

A sudden lapse in memory and disorientation led to a shocking diagnosis for Dr. Neville Collins, a vice principal from Halifax. After forgetting to pick up his wife, Georgina, from work, he was unable to recall her name, prompting concerns about his health. Initially dismissed as a simple “collapse” by medical professionals, Dr. Collins’ condition deteriorated, ultimately revealing a grade 2 glioma, a rare type of brain tumor.

The incident occurred in 2017, when the 76-year-old failed to collect his 60-year-old wife. Georgina described the moment as “completely out of character” for her husband. Despite the alarming symptoms, Dr. Collins was sent home without a brain scan. Over the next few weeks, his mood and memory declined further, leading to memory tests and an MRI, which confirmed the presence of a tumor in the front left temporal lobe.

Georgina recounted the initial consultation at Leeds General Infirmary, stating, “When we were first told, one of the most memorable things the consultant said to us was ‘it will get you in the end.’ There was no empathy, no clarity—just leaflets and the offer of a support nurse.” The couple later received care from a more compassionate consultant who provided a clearer treatment plan.

For several years, Dr. Collins managed his condition with regular MRIs while also battling prostate cancer and experiencing seizures. In 2023, the situation worsened as his cognitive and physical health declined. A biopsy in February 2025 confirmed the diagnosis of oligodendroglioma, a rare type of glioma brain tumor.

In response to his deteriorating condition, Dr. Collins underwent six weeks of radiotherapy from April to June 2025 and started a 36-week course of PCV chemotherapy in August 2025. Georgina expressed relief at having a clearer treatment path, stating, “Although the journey has been long and difficult, we now have a clear path forward.”

Despite the challenges, Dr. Collins remains determined to maintain an active lifestyle. He still attends the gym with Georgina when possible, finding strength through movement and exercise. However, he faces ongoing symptoms, including memory loss, mood swings, and seizures, which have significantly impacted his independence.

Georgina is now working with Brain Tumour Research to raise awareness about the need for early diagnosis and increased funding for research. To date, she has raised nearly £12,000 and is training for the Rob Burrow Leeds Half Marathon in 2026 in honor of her husband. “We never thought this would be our story, but it is,” she reflected. “Now we want to use our experience to help others.”

Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, emphasized the importance of the Collins’ story in highlighting the urgent need for early diagnosis and improved healthcare coordination. “We’re so grateful to Georgina for taking on this huge challenge to help us raise awareness and funds to get closer to a cure,” McWilliams said.

As Dr. Collins continues his battle against his illness, both he and Georgina hope that sharing their journey will encourage others to seek timely medical attention and foster advancements in brain tumor research.