A weightlifter was shocked by a devastating diagnosis after disregarding early warning signs that could have signaled his health issues sooner.
A British weightlifter found himself in a coma when medical professionals identified a significant health problem.
Scott Hinch, aged 31, was informed that his life expectancy might only be 3 to 5 years, which was a staggering revelation for him.
The alarming discovery was made when Hinch was taken to Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny, Wales, following a seizure he experienced on his way to work in August 2019.
Reflecting on his experience, Hinch expressed regret for not paying adequate attention to his symptoms and for dismissing them.
During his hospital stay, doctors induced a four-day coma. Upon awakening, an MRI scan revealed a grade 2 astrocytoma, a tumor type that typically forms in the brain or spinal cord.
On September 4th of that year, an emergency operation was performed on Scott to partially excise the tumor, and he began his initial treatment phase to manage the cancer. This included seven weeks of radiotherapy and 12 cycles of chemotherapy.
Before his cancer diagnosis, Hinch maintained a fit and active lifestyle and had not encountered any major health problems.
Although he did experience occasional headaches and nosebleeds, he attributed them to overexertion, intense workouts, and insufficient hydration.
He remarked: “Looking back, I now realize there were signs. Headaches, nosebleeds, things I chalked up to long work hours.
“Maybe heavy training at the gym and not drinking enough water. I even went to the opticians, but nothing was picked up.”
More than five years have passed since his initial diagnosis, yet Hinch continues to suffer as the cancer returned two years after his treatment concluded at the end of 2023.
Following the recurrence, he underwent additional chemotherapy and treatment, and in 2025, he is engaged in his third round of treatment for his tumor.
He remarked: “I take it one month at a time.
“The fatigue is relentless and most days I can’t leave the house.
“But I’m still here, and that’s something I’m grateful for.”
His mother, Fiona, has assumed the role of his full-time caregiver, and he now relies on her for all aspects of his care.
Fiona has also highlighted the need for increased research and awareness concerning brain tumors, acknowledging the heartache of witnessing her son endure treatment.
She expressed: “Watching my son go through the trauma of surgery and three rounds of treatment for brain cancer has been heartbreaking.
“No family should have to experience the fear, uncertainty and pain that we have.
“We need better outcomes, kinder treatments, and ultimately a cure.”
To help raise awareness, his mother, Fiona, and aunt, Lyndsey, are participating in the 200k in May Your Way challenge to gather funds for the Brain Tumour Research Charity.