Robert Seaward
In January 2023, Robert Seward's life took an unexpected turn when a seizure altered the course of his life. A 38-year-old father of three from Marlow in Buckinghamshire, Robert shares his story of resilience, positivity, and the power of exercise and mindset in the face of his diagnosis.
Robert vividly describes the moment he collapsed at home after bringing his kids back from school. The dizziness and breathlessness escalated, leading to a seizure that left him turning blue. His wife, Shelly, played a critical role in averting a tragedy by calling for an ambulance which lead him to our surgeons at John Radcliff Hospital.
After a series of scans and consultations, Robert learned that he had a brain tumour and brain cancer. The unexpected diagnosis prompted him to seek multiple opinions from experts, ultimately leading him to the care of Vasileios Apostolopoulos at John Radcliffe in Oxford.
Robert's proactive approach to his health became evident as he embraced fitness as a crucial component of his cancer journey. Recognising the positive impact of exercise on recovery, he focused on getting fit before surgery, aiming to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
March marked a significant milestone as Robert underwent surgery. The surprising success of the operation left him inspired and motivated as the surgeons were able to remove close to 80% of the tumour.
Robert emphasises the under-publicised role of exercise in mitigating the side effects of cancer treatments. He shares his realisation that fitness and a positive mindset contribute not only to physical well-being but also mental strength throughout the challenging journey.
In a remarkable show of determination, Robert decided to ride to Paris to raise funds for Brainstorm UK. The journey not only raised awareness but also highlighted the importance of exercise in cancer patients' lives.
Robert's story delivers a powerful message of hope and encouragement. He urges others facing similar challenges to incorporate fitness and a healthy lifestyle into their cancer journey, emphasising the positive impact on both physical and mental aspects.
Reflecting on his experience, he encourages everyone to evaluate their lives, prioritise relationships, and embrace opportunities. His newfound perspective emphasises the importance of saying "yes" more than "no" and cherishing life's moments.
Watch his full story here