A WOMAN who has battled a brain tumour for more than a decade is getting set to marry her childhood sweetheart.

Lorna-Rose Samson from Wimborne was diagnosed in 2005 with a pilocytic astrocytoma brain tumour and underwent surgery.

However the growth was partly wrapped around her facial nerves and as a result surgeons could not fully remove it.

However in defiance of the disease, the 27-year-old will marry Danny, the love of her life and father to their two boys Nate, eight and Cody, five, on July 22 - the tenth anniversary of their first date at a relaxed ceremony at Upton House in Poole.

Lorna-Rose, a full-time mum who volunteers at a charity shop, said: “The boys and Danny, they are my strength. They are everything. They don’t know any different but they know I have something in my head and that I do a lot for The Brain Tumour Charity. I haven’t shielded anything, I’m not going to, if they ask questions, they’ll get the answers.

“People treat me differently when they find out their reaction is always interesting. You’ll get people who are like ‘oh my God are you just going to drop dead?’ They treat you like you’re going to break and I’m not going to break.

"Brain tumours are a taboo subject and they shouldn't be.

"It's amazing all the stories you hear and it makes you realise you are not alone. It just shows that just because you have something wrong with you it doesn't mean you can't go on to have a normal life.

"I'm not saying I have something wrong with me, although many people would disagree with that."

Mum-of-two Lorna-Rose has chosen to share her story as the Brain Tumour Charity relaunches its Headsmart campaign, which includes a website and symptoms cards.

She experienced persistent headaches, balance and coordination problems and migraines which gave her blurred and double vision before the correct diagnosis, symptoms the campaign is highlighting.

“It took me two and a half years to be diagnosed with Derek, the name I’ve given my tumour,” she said.

“I do remember the earaches, the hearing loss, the headaches, the blurred vision and the worried look on my mums face each time I told her about these symptoms.

Being a mum of two young boys gives Lorna-Rose the determination to manage her life after diagnosis.

“They inspire me in every sense. I try and be a better mum, a better person. I like the fact that they are the reason I get out of bed in the morning.

"Danny and I have been through a lot together, medically especially and we support each other in all aspects of our lives.

“I have never allowed my tumour, Derek, to hold me back and despite it being an underlying worry, I am happy that it shouldn't disrupt my life anymore.”

Sarah Lindsell, CEO of, The Brain Tumour Charity said: “We’re so pleased for Lorna-Rose, Danny and the boys. Her story, experience and continued support of the work we do, has been vital in helping raise awareness of this devastating disease and the woeful lack of funding for research into brain tumours.

“She has been instrumental in promoting our support services, helping us to ensure that no-one faces the uncertainty and shock of a similar diagnosis alone.

“We wish Lorna-Rose and her family our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for their future.”