North Yorkshire teacher shares journey with terminal brain cancer to raise awareness
Lizzie Pitt advocates for better research and treatment options for glioblastoma
North Yorkshire teacher Lizzie Pitt is sharing her personal journey following a diagnosis of a glioblastoma, an aggressive and terminal brain cancer, to highlight the need for improved awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and research.
Lizzie, 46, experienced seizures at home in February 2025 that led to the initial discovery of a brain tumour, initially believed to be a low-grade glioma.
Despite signs pointing to a less severe prognosis, further scans revealed the tumour's increasing aggressiveness, culminating in awake brain surgery in April 2025.
After receiving biopsy results indicating a terminal grade 4 glioblastoma, Lizzie described her reaction as "total shock" and says she felt utterly let down, highlighting that glioblastoma had never been previously mentioned in her diagnosis journey.
Supported by her family, school community, and efforts from local residents, Lizzie is determined to share her story and create greater awareness of the challenges faced by people enduring brain tumours every day.
"My brain tumour journey began in February 2025, completely out of the blue," Lizzie said, recounting the shock of the seizure discovered by her young son, Felix.
Following her experience, she emphasizes the devastating impact brain tumours have on individuals and families, and her determination to advocate for clearer diagnosis and increased treatment options.
Lizzie said, "I haven’t been able to work full-time since April and miss my job deeply."
Her advocacy has inspired fundraising and community support measures, with events ranging from half marathons to student-organised musical events supporting her treatment.
Brain Tumour Research, an organization dedicated to changing outcomes for those affected, notes that brain tumours remain a leading cause of death among the under-40s, yet national cancer research spends only 1% on this area.
Dr Magnus Harrison, Chief Medical Officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “My thoughts are with Lizzie and her family during what must be an incredibly challenging time following her diagnosis. I also offer my sincere apologies that information about her diagnosis was not clearly communicated. I invite her to share her concerns with us directly so that we might learn from her experience.
“The nature and true extent of glioblastoma can only be confirmed through a series of tests over a period of time in order to identify growth and change. This is a rare and aggressive form of cancer and unfortunately Lizzie’s condition advanced quickly and she is now being supported by our cancer team for her ongoing care.
“It is incredibly brave of Lizzie to share her story and raise awareness of glioblastoma through the Brain Tumour Research charity.”