A WOMAN who beat a brain tumour to graduate from university is to return to her studies to become a mental health nurse.

Wallis Stabler, 21, of Shildon, County Durham, suffered a series of seizures while at Teesside University, Middlesbrough.

Doctors diagnosed the tumour two years ago and Miss Stabler underwent brain surgery at James Cook University Hospital.

The surgery seems to have been a success and Miss Stabler underwent a recent brain scan which provided a clear reading.

Despite her illness, she managed to complete her BSc (Hons) in Criminology and is now looking forward to starting a second degree in mental health at Teesside University next month (January).

“I began to have seizures in September 2011 but I was too scared to go to the doctors to find out what it was," she said.

“I was diagnosed the following April at the James Cook hospital. It was a very scary time as I wasn’t sure what was going on.

“I thought the doctors would just give me some tablets but I had an MRI scan and they rushed me onto a ward.

“I had brain surgery a week later to cut out the tumour as it was growing and putting pressure on my skull.”

She was able to continue her studies as the university made allowances for her illness.

“It was awful. I was trying to hide the problem and also trying to keep up with the work.

“I was diagnosed at the end of the academic year. I was able to finish my essays and my treatment was over the summer holidays. I was able to go back for the new term.”

The tumour meant that Miss Stabler had to give up on her dreams of becoming a police officer. Instead she is to train to be a mental health nurse.

Miss Stabler who lives with parents John and Diane and sister Olivia, on Dale Grove, will have to undergoe further scans for ten years.

She said: “It was hard but I don’t think I’m brave. I’m just looking forward to being clear of the tumour for the rest of my life.”