WHEN Amy Carr collapsed in her bedroom at the sight of a spider, doctors assumed it was down to a simple phobia.
But when the then 15-year-old – now ex-England Football star – from Hemel Hempstead suffered two more blackouts at the gym, further tests revealed a devastating truth.
Ex-England footballer Amy Carr has been given six-to-nine months left to live[/caption]
She 35-year-old diagnosed with a brain tumour (tumour seen black in left picture and white in right)[/caption]
Scans taken in 2013 revealed a grade four, golf ball-sized astrocytoma, an aggressive brain tumour.
The teen then underwent a cutting-edge surgery, which involved her being awake while doctors cut into her brain.
She was also then given radiotherapy and chemotherapy and given a 95 per cent chance of survival.
The operation left her unable to walk or talk for eight days, and when her speech returned it was bizarrely in GCSE-level French before switching back to English.
After treatment, Amy was told she was clear of the disease.
And for nearly a decade she lived cancer-free, during which time her footballing career took off.
Amy earned 16 caps playing in goal for England’s U17 and U19 teams and also represented Chelsea, Arsenal and Reading.
But last year, aged 32, she began experiencing blurred vision and slurred speech shortly after a routine check-up.
She went back for another scan in November at University College London Hospital, which sadly revealed the tumour had returned.
On August 15 this year, Amy was told the cancer had become terminal and she has just six to nine months left to live.
The devastating prognosis came only weeks before she was due to go on a 10-day cruise around Naples, Florence and Santorini with her best friend, Lucy Baker.
Amy was forced to cancel the trip after being unable to get travel insurance due to her condition.
She claims travel firm Iglu then refused to refund the £4,000 holiday, despite being given medical proof.
Amy, said: “I’m exhausted with trying – and failing – to make contact with Iglu. They haven’t responded to either of us.
“Even though they told us they can’t give us a refund, they could’ve apologised or organised a voucher.
Amy started speaking French after her treatment[/caption]
“I’m beyond disappointed with Iglu and their lack of care.”
Best friend Lucy Baker, 35, says Amy decided to book the cruise in July 2025 as she’d “always wanted to go to Italy.”
The pair thought a cruise would be easier on Amy’s health than backpacking around the country.
“Amy knew she was very ill, and cruising is an easy way to get around loads of different places, rather than hopping on trains and planes,” Lucy said.
“We were really looking forward to it.”
‘An inspiration to all those around her’
Lucy says Amy even paid an additional £800 charge to take a wheelchair onboard — which was later refunded by Iglu — because she was “so desperate to go.”
Despite the setback, Amy has continued fundraising.
Earlier this month she joined friends and family on a five-mile walk for Brain Tumour Research, raising more than £26,000. She completed the route on a mobility scooter.
“Amy is such an inspiration to all those around her, she has fought this disease for a long time and all the while has fundraised and raised awareness for Brain Cancer Research,” Lucy said.
“She is always willing to help others and is a good friend to so many people.”
Iglu did not respond to a request for comment.
Despite the setback, Amy has continued fundraising[/caption]
Symptoms of astrocytoma
Astrocytoma is a common type of primary brain tumour, which means it starts in the brain instead of spreading there.
Astrocytomas start in stem cells, which eventually develop in to one of the different types of brain cells, such as astroctyes.
Astrocytes are brain cells that connect and support nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
As astrocytes are found throughout the brain, astrocytomas can occur in many different areas of the brain.
These tumours grow from cells that are vital in processing information in the brain, so they can disrupt the function of whichever area of the brain they are growing in.
Some of these tumours grow in the cerebellum, which controls balance.
They can also occur in the optic pathways, which are involved in sight.
So, symptoms can be very different between people affected by these tumours. That being said, common astrocytoma symptoms could include:
- Headaches
- Difficulty speaking
- Change in vision, like double vision or blurriness
- Cognitive difficulties, like trouble thinking or remembering
- Seizures (epilepsy)
Source: The Brain Tumour Charity
