Two teenage cousins from Scotland are navigating life with inoperable brain tumours, a reality they share that has forged a unique bond. Lachlan Lindsay, who was diagnosed at the age of eight, and his younger cousin Hazel Dempster, who received her diagnosis at twelve, both live with the challenges posed by their conditions, described as “just bad luck” affecting their family.
Lachlan’s ordeal began when he experienced a slight squint and occasional headaches. After a scan at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, doctors discovered a benign mass known as a tectal plate glioma. This discovery prompted immediate surgery to relieve fluid build-up in his brain. “I remember the diagnosis and the hydrocephalus could kill me if it wasn’t treated,” said Lachlan, who is now a first-year student at the University of Aberdeen.
In a twist of fate, Hazel began experiencing persistent headaches shortly after Lachlan’s recovery. Her GP referred her for a scan, which revealed an optic chiasm pilocytic astrocytoma— a growth larger than a golf ball. She underwent emergency surgery to drain fluid from her brain, a shocking turn for a family already grappling with a similar diagnosis. “The likelihood of two cousins having brain tumours is minuscule,” said Hazel, now 16. “But I think I’ve probably got a closer relationship with Lachlan now.”
Both teenagers now live with their tumours, which are deemed inoperable due to their locations. Hazel’s tumour affects her vision and has resulted in multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. She described the side effects, including nerve pain that makes simple tasks difficult. “It feels like you’re wearing big winter gloves every day,” she explained. Despite these challenges, Hazel has found ways to maintain a semblance of normalcy. She has managed to travel abroad and excelled in her National 5 exams while actively participating as a young leader in her local Scout troop.
Lachlan, on the other hand, deals with dyspraxia, a condition that affects his physical coordination and processing speed. “Sometimes I will take longer to understand a question in a test,” he said, acknowledging the limitations imposed by his tumour. His aspirations of becoming a film director remain strong as he pursues studies in English and Film & Visual Culture.
The impact of their diagnoses extends beyond the cousins. Their aunt, Emma Christie, has turned her feelings of helplessness into action by raising over £3,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity, using her platform as an author to promote awareness and fund vital research.
As both Lachlan and Hazel continue to face their respective challenges, they have found comfort in humor and mutual understanding. Hazel remarked, “To me, having a brain tumour is just part of me.” Their resilience highlights the strength of family bonds in the face of adversity, serving as an inspiration to others navigating similar circumstances.
While their conditions remain serious, both young people are determined to embrace life and pursue their goals, demonstrating courage in the face of uncertainty.
