Stephanie Muirhead and her son, Andrew (14), share a bond strengthened by an experience few families could imagine, both have faced life-threatening cancer as children.
Stephanie and Andrew received lifesaving care at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals, more than 30 years apart.
In 1990, Stephanie was treated for a cancerous tumour on her spine at Yorkhill Hospital. In 2023, Andrew was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumour at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), Glasgow.
The Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow and Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital (RACH) have become Scotland’s first paediatric units to receive the prestigious Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence for Children designation for their outstanding care for children with brain tumours. To mark the accolade, Stephanie has chosen to share Andrew’s story and thank the Glasgow team who supported him through his treatment.
In May 2023, Andrew began experiencing unexplained sickness during the day. Over the school summer holidays, his symptoms persisted, and his walking became unsteady. After visiting his GP, Andrew was referred to RHC.
In August, an MRI scan revealed a mass in his brain. Stephanie said: “When they started using dye for the scan, I knew something was wrong. Soon after, one of Andrew’s neurosurgeons explained that Andrew needed urgent surgery.”
The operation was complex. Stephanie explained: “It felt like he was in theatre for an eternity. The neurosurgeon removed most of the tumour but left a thin layer to avoid damaging Andrew’s muscles. We were told further treatment would include chemotherapy and proton therapy.”
The RHC received its Centre for Excellence title due to its outstanding standards of care, including cohesive, wrap‑around support throughout each child’s treatment journey. This included the strength of Glasgow’s rehabilitation services, which Andrew also received.
His recovery was challenging. He needed physiotherapy to strengthen his neck and later required a wheelchair during chemotherapy. Stephanie said:
“The chemo really knocked him out. He lost weight and needed help with eating. The RHC team supported us every step of the way, from hydrotherapy to dietitian advice. They were incredible.”
Mr Roddy O’Kane was one of Andrew’s neurosurgeons. He said:
“Children’s cancer care is truly multidisciplinary, involving nurses, surgeons, oncologists, dietitians, physiotherapists, play specialists, teachers and volunteers. Andrew’s journey shows the strength of this team and his own remarkable resilience. We’re all proud of him and wish him well for the future.”
Stephanie praised the hospital staff, and highlighted that, remarkably, both her and Andrew were cared for by the same nurse, three decades on.
“The place runs like a well-oiled machine. You just keep going, and then you look back and realise how amazing everyone has been. We’ve made friendships for life, especially with nurse Angela Howat, who treated us both.
“I was cared for in ward 7A at Yorkhill Hospital by an amazing team of nurses, including Ann Clarkin, Gillian Paton – and Angela. Everyone in that ward was amazing. I wish I could name and thank them all!”
Angela Howat, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Neuro Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist said:
“At the beginning of my career, I cared for Stephanie when she was a young girl, supporting her throughout her treatment and rehabilitation. Thirty‑four years later, I had the privilege of stepping into a new role as a neuro‑oncology nurse specialist and caring for her son, Andrew.
“Andrew received intensive rehabilitation from the physiotherapy, occupational therapy and neuro‑oncology multidisciplinary teams, and has shown remarkable strength, resilience and quiet determination in returning to school and embracing life to the fullest.
“Caring for two generations of the same family has been very emotional and a powerful reminder of the lasting bonds formed with patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments.”
In summer 2024, Andrew was told that he was currently cancer free and he will continue regular scans to keep an eye on this. Stephanie said:
“Before surgery, I promised Andrew a gift when it was all over. He asked for a dog, and now Benny is part of our family!”
Andrew’s resilience was further recognised when he was nominated by his community nurses for a Dream Flight trip to Florida, visiting Disneyland and Universal Studios.
Stephanie said: “We couldn’t believe it when the charity accepted. He had the time of his life.”
Stephanie is wife to Derek and mum to Andrew (14) and Alyssa (18) – (and new fur baby, Benny, of course!)
