When both of their lives were dramatically altered by brain tumours, teenage cousins Lachlan Lindsay and Hazel Dempster found themselves navigating similar challenges despite their different experiences. Lachlan, diagnosed with a brain tumour at age eight, underwent surgery that initially offered hope for recovery. Six years later, his younger cousin Hazel, then just 12, faced a shocking diagnosis of her own, marking the beginning of a shared journey that neither of them anticipated.
Hazel’s first indication that something was wrong came in the form of persistent headaches. A scan revealed a growth larger than a golf ball, leading to emergency neurosurgery. “It was a massive shock because the likelihood of us both having brain tumours is so minuscule,” Hazel, now 16, recalled. Despite the gravity of their situations, both cousins have fostered a unique bond, finding solace in their shared experiences. “I think I’ve probably got a closer relationship with Lachlan now because it’s something me and him can relate to that practically nobody else in our life can,” she added.
Both teenagers now live with their tumours, which cannot be surgically removed due to their locations in the brain. They describe their conditions as mere unfortunate coincidences, attributing their circumstances to “bad luck.”
During her battle, Hazel has endured multiple surgeries and aggressive chemotherapy, which has had extensive side effects. “It feels like you’re wearing big winter gloves every day,” she explained, describing the nerve pain that has impaired her ability to perform everyday tasks. Despite these challenges, Hazel has managed to thrive academically at Kirkcudbright Academy, achieving excellent results in her National 5 exams.
In the past year, Hazel has transitioned to a daily oral chemotherapy regimen, allowing her to lead a relatively normal life, albeit punctuated by frequent medical appointments. After years of limited travel due to her health, she and her family embarked on a rail trip across Europe last summer. As a young leader in her local Scout troop, she was honored with an Unsung Hero award from the Chief Scout, showcasing her resilience and commitment.
Lachlan, now a first-year student at the University of Aberdeen, also reflects on his journey with a sense of determination. His diagnosis revealed a benign mass known as a tectal plate glioma, identified after he experienced headaches and developed a slight squint. He recounted the fear and pain he felt following his initial surgery. “I woke up from the operation and experienced the worst pain I have ever felt in my life,” Lachlan said.
Despite the challenges posed by his condition, which includes dyspraxia affecting his physical coordination, Lachlan is focused on his studies in English and Film & Visual Culture. He aspires to become a Hollywood film director, demonstrating that he refuses to be defined by his diagnosis. “I’ve managed to do pretty well for myself in spite of my limitations,” he stated.
The cousins’ family has been significantly impacted by these health challenges. Their aunt, Emma Christie, an author, has actively raised over £3,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity. “I’ve often felt helpless in the face of such a life-changing diagnosis, but by supporting the charity and helping to raise funds for research, I feel like I’m transforming the grief into positive action,” she expressed.
Both Lachlan and Hazel are acutely aware of the fragility of life. Hazel, who has spent considerable time on the Schiehallion Ward at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, has witnessed the struggles of other children who have not survived their illnesses. “I’m enjoying and savouring feeling well because I know what it’s like not to,” she said, embodying a perspective shaped by her unique circumstances.
Though their futures remain uncertain, Lachlan and Hazel continue to support each other and maintain a sense of optimism. Their journey serves as a poignant reminder of the strength of family bonds in the face of adversity, and the importance of hope and perseverance in navigating life’s challenges.
