MIRACLE mum Margaret Moss has been given the all-clear – three years after being told a brain tumour could kill her.
When doctors discovered a tumour sitting on her brain, devastated Margaret was told she would be dead within two weeks.
She underwent emergency surgery, but health professionals were sure she wouldn't pull through.
Now Margaret is smiling again having been told she has made a full recovery.
"It was a shock," said the 54-year-old, who lives in Hester's Way.
"When you are told that you have only two weeks to live, you don't know how to react.
"But it's made me stronger and, by making me feel stronger, my family have been assured (that I am OK) and are stronger for it.
"I am not one for sitting there and doing nothing.
"Doctors told me they didn't know how my brain was going to react to the surgery but, as soon as I was able bodied, there was only one way to find out."
Margaret studied at Gloucestershire College to determine her mental capacity for herself.
She took courses in English, maths, British Sign Language, customer services and IT – and passed them all with flying colours.
"I never thought I would have to go to college before my operation," she added.
"By doing it, I have proven to myself that I can do this and that there is, in fact, nothing wrong with my brain.
"It has given me a different outlook on life. I won't think – like so many people do and like I used to – that 'it can be put off until tomorrow'."
Margaret, a mother of three, has also been carrying out voluntary work at Hester's Way Resource Centre.
She will undergo a third brain scan later this month and further check-ups annually for another seven years.
Her illness has inspired Margaret's eldest son, Noel, to alert people to the symptoms.
For three years, she suffered nausea, migraines, chest infections and a speech impediment – but had no idea that a tumour was festering.
Noel was given support by Fixers, a charity which allows 16 to 25-year-olds to publicise issues close to them, to produce a powerful advert aimed at raising awareness of the key signs associated with brain tumours.
The 22-year-old said: "It was so sudden and unexpected. Mum had been acting a little strange, but we would never have guessed it was a tumour.
"I hope, through this film, more people will be aware of brain tumours, how to look out for the signs of them, and how seeking help can save a life."
The short film will be launched at Gloucester Guildhall on Tuesday at 3pm.
