Theo Burrell, an antiques expert who regularly lends her expertise on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, has provided a positive update after sharing some sad health news earlier this month.
The antiques specialist was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma back in June 2022 and has been open and candid with her fans about living with the incurable illness.
Burrell has undergone treatment and operations to prevent the spread of the tumour but a little over two years on, the presenter had some concerning news to share.
Earlier this month, Burrell took to Instagram to say it was with “some heartbreak” that the glioblastoma had “started regrowing”.
“Although this was always an inevitability it has been a difficult couple of weeks for me and my family, as we deal with the news and await a treatment plan,” she said in an Instagram post on October 2.
She continued: “I am extremely grateful for having had such a good quality of life over the last two years, and I intend to take on the next step of my journey with everything I’ve got.
Theo Burrell is a campaigner for brain tumour research
PA
“If anything this has just fueled my fire to keep fighting for us all.
“We, as a community, as patients, as carers, as family and friends of those who have or have had a brain tumour, quite frankly deserve a lot better!”
Burrell was soon inundated with well wishes as fans rushed to share their support following the concerning news.
Two weeks on and Burrell has now revealed she isn’t letting the worrying update stand in the way of her embracing new opportunities.
On Friday, the antiques specialist returned to Instagram with a series of smiley snaps from a rather lavish-looking charity fundraising event.
She revealed: “Last night @brain_tumour_research joined forces with @thecaledonianclub to host a whisky tasting fundraiser.
“My dad and I invited over 80 people to join us and we were treated to whiskies from all over Scotland with Colin Fraser from @dramfool_whisky talking us through each one.
“We then finished the dinner off with a talk from rugby legend Gavin Hastings. I had an incredible time and want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along, supported the event, bid in the auction and had good fun!”
Followers rushed to “like” the post as they showed their delight at Burrell looking happy amid her latest health diagnosis.
Meanwhile, the charity Brain Tumour Research wrote in the comments: “Thank you for all you did to make this such a fabulous night. Hope you had a great time.” (sic)
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According to Cancer Research, “Glioblastomas are a fast-growing type of brain tumour. They are the most common type of cancerous (malignant) brain tumour in adults”.
It adds: “Glioblastomas are a type of brain tumour that belongs to a group of brain tumours called gliomas.
“The main treatments for glioblastomas are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. You might have these treatments on their own, or as a combination of treatments. You might also have supportive treatments to help with your symptoms.”
Since receiving her glioblastoma diagnosis, Burrell has become a “proud patron” of Brain Tumour Research, joining calls for increased investment in brain tumour research.