BBC Antiques Roadshow expert ‘hanging onto hope’ amid incurable brain cancer diagnosis
BBC Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell has given fans an update following the news that she has been diagnosed with incurable brain cancer.
The 37 year old antiques expert, who joined the popular BBC show back in 2018, was diagnosed with a grade four brain tumour – known as a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) – in the summer of 2022, just one year after the birth of her son.
Since opening up about her diagnosis, the TV star has worked hard to raise awareness of brain tumours and has kept fans updated regarding her condition and recently spoke about struggling with “nausea, dizziness and headaches”.
And now, in a new update, Theo has revealed that she will be taking part in an abseiling challenge later this month to raise money for Brain Tumour Research and gave her Instagram followers an update as she marks 23 months since being diagnosed.
“On Saturday 25th, I’m heading to Aberdeen and abseiling down the King’s Tower, all 131 feet of it! The last time I did anything similar I was 19 – not exactly yesterday! If you can help me raise some funds (all for @braintumourrsch ) I’d be very grateful – link in bio. Thank you,’ she said on Instagram,” she wrote.
“Today also marks 23 months since I was diagnosed with brain cancer. I really had no idea whether I would still be here when I was given the news that I had a brain tumour. I didn’t take a life expectancy, but I know my chances of still being well (so far) with no regrowth (so far) were not particularly favourable.”
The TV personality, who celebrated 11 years with her partner earlier this year, also shone a light on experiencing “little landmines of fear” following her diagnosis and explained that she is “hanging onto” hope as she waits for the results from her latest scan.
“I continue to find the mixture of emotions a rollercoaster, and little landmines of fear and upset go off without any warning at times. Behind the scenes I’m still working on tangible changes for us all and progress continues in Scotland which we could all benefit from.
“As I head into a scan this afternoon, and the anxiety about my upcoming results looms, I’m hanging onto my old friend hope to see me through,” she wrote.
In response to the post, Theo’s followers offered messages of support in the comments section as they praised the BBC star for being “brave and inspiring”.
“Amazing as always Theo,Braver than me !! I hope your scan goes okay,” wrote one. “Thanks for the update Theo. Sending positive vibes for good results,” another added.
Meanwhile, a third wrote: “Thinking of you Theo, you are brave and inspiring, grateful for your posts”.
