A Shoreham man who was diagnosed with a brain tumour after suffering a seizure at work is preparing for a second operation, as his mum takes on a series of fundraising challenges to support research into the disease.

Bob Carroll-Hallett, 31, had worked as an activity instructor at Butlin’s in Bognor Regis for 11 years. A keen walker, he regularly covered long distances on foot, but his life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a seizure at work.

An MRI scan at Colchester Hospital revealed a brain tumour. Bob was diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma in December 2023 and underwent surgery. Although the operation initially went well, a scan in September showed the tumour had grown.

He is now due to have a second operation at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton on November 13.

Bob Carroll-Hallett, 31, had worked as an activity instructor at Butlin’s in Bognor Regis for 11 years. A keen walker, he regularly covered long distances on foot, but his life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a seizure at work. Picture: Brain Tumour Research

placeholder image — Bob Carroll-Hallett, 31, had worked as an activity instructor at Butlin’s in Bognor Regis for 11 years. A keen walker, he regularly covered long distances on foot, but his life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a seizure at work. Picture: Brain Tumour Research

His mum, Wendy Carroll-Hallett, 54, said the family had initially believed surgery would mean the worst was over.

“When he had surgery, we were really naive, thinking that the surgeon was like a god who would pull out this lump, and then everything would be all right,” she said.

“Even though the operation went well, with the surgeon removing more of the tumour than expected, the tumour has since grown and Bob has been told he has just eight to ten years to live. When we heard those words, our world fell apart.”

Wendy said the diagnosis had been particularly difficult to accept given how fit her son had always been.

Bob's scar after his operation in 2023. Picture: Brain Tumour Research

“From the age of 18, he would walk the six miles from Shoreham to Brighton to meet his mates and then walk back again,” she said.

“Before Bob’s operation, the nurses asked if I was sure he was 31 because his blood pressure and heart rate were perfect. They said all of his readings were like those of a teenager.”

Following his first operation, Bob returned to his job at Haven in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, and has since been monitored with MRI scans every six months.

Wendy is now working with charity Brain Tumour Research to campaign for greater investment in research, calling on the Government to commit at least £45 million a year.

Bob and his parents Wendy and Martin on their Walk of Hope in September. Picture: Brain Tumour Research

The charity says just 1% of the national spend on cancer research went towards brain tumours between 2002 and 2021.

“I’ll never forget the consultant saying that research into brain tumours is where breast cancer was in the 1980s,” Wendy said.

“To think it's 40 years behind breast cancer is unacceptable, especially as it affects so many young people. Our children deserve better.”

In September, Wendy, her husband Martin and Bob completed a 15-mile Walk of Hope from Brighton Marina to Goring.

Wendy is now taking part in Brain Tumour Research's 99 Miles in November challenge, covering the distance through walking, running and swimming.

She said: “I felt I had to do something to raise money and awareness of this devastating disease. If I can be out there wearing a Brain Tumour Research t-shirt, then I feel like I'm making a difference and I'm helping Bob.”

Bob said he was proud of his mum's efforts.

“It's very hard for me to accept my diagnosis. I tend not to think much about the future; I prefer to take each day as it comes,” he said.

“She'll do whatever she can to help me and others with this disease. It means everything to me.”