A Scottish mother, diagnosed with a brain tumour while being pregnant, is creating a poignant ‘memory box’ for her nine-month-old son as she fears not being able to witness him grow up. Bethany Wright, aged 26, who had struggled with headaches previously, sought medical help in March 2024 when the pain intensified. Pregnant at 34 weeks, she was concerned about having pre-eclampsia due to high blood pressure. However, a CT scan revealed a mass in her brain instead of the expected complication.
Further tests, including an MRI scan, confirmed the presence of a 6cm brain tumour. Due to her pregnancy, doctors postponed surgery until after she gave birth to her son, Alfie, on March 28, 2024. In August 2024, Bethany underwent an operation to remove 85% of the tumour, diagnosed as a grade 3 astrocytoma, a fast-growing tumour. She then underwent 33 sessions of radiotherapy and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
Bethany, a community nurse from Glasgow, expressed feeling “robbed” of motherhood and is actively compiling a memory box for Alfie. Within the box, she plans to include letters and a voice recording for her son to cherish in the future. Bethany shared her emotional journey, detailing the challenges she faced post-surgery and during treatment, including the physical toll of chemotherapy.
The young mother recounted the difficult moments of her pregnancy and the stark reality of her diagnosis, grappling with the uncertainty of her future. Despite the hardships, Bethany highlighted the support from her partner, Cameron, and her mother, Lorraine, as essential in prioritising her health. She acknowledged the bittersweet experience of motherhood amidst battling a life-threatening illness, highlighting the sacrifices and emotional strength required to navigate such circumstances.
Bethany’s resilience and determination to create lasting memories for her son underscore her love and devotion as a mother, encapsulating the profound bond between a parent and child, transcending life’s challenges and uncertainties. The creation of the memory box serves as a poignant symbol of hope, a testament to Bethany’s enduring love and legacy for her son, Alfie, as they navigate this challenging chapter together.