A mother slipped into a coma for three weeks following a fall during a vacation, but the incident led to the discovery of a life-altering brain tumor. Natalie Fry, who went to Jamaica to celebrate her 50th birthday, experienced a traumatic accident that left her family deeply concerned.
Her daughter, Chloe Bavin, 33, remained by her mother’s hospital bed, hoping to hear her voice once more. “Being by my mom’s side while she was in a coma was the most terrifying experience of my life,” shared Chloe, who resides in Weston-super-Mare.
Witnessing her mother connected to machines, with a ventilator, and facing uncertain survival odds was incredibly distressing for Chloe. She described her mother as a resilient, graceful, and self-assured woman, and seeing her in a weakened state with tubes and devices was heartbreaking.
The incident occurred in June 2023, shortly after Natalie, a 999 call handler, fell and injured her knee, causing her to feel unwell. Upon returning to the UK, an MRI scan was recommended after a medical examination revealed a brain mass.
Chloe recounted the moment when her mother, accompanied by her husband Nick, received the shocking news at the appointment. The diagnosis of a brain tumor completely upended their world, leading to the realization that urgent surgery was necessary for Natalie’s survival.
Despite the risks involved, including potential loss of senses and mobility, Natalie, now 52, underwent a nine-hour surgery on July 3, 2025. Fortunately, the operation was successful, removing most of the schwannoma tumor but leaving a small portion due to its proximity to a nerve. However, Natalie faced complications post-surgery, entering a coma for three weeks after a brain bleed.
Gradually, Natalie’s condition improved as ventilator support decreased, a shunt was inserted to drain brain fluid, and she began exhibiting small movements. Against all odds, she survived and spent the next six months in the hospital recovering speech and mobility.
Despite challenges such as facial paralysis, hearing loss, limited eyesight, and numbness on her left side, Natalie returned to work. In December 2024, a new growth was detected and treated with radiotherapy.
To support brain tumor research, Chloe is participating in the TCS London Marathon in April, aiming to raise funds for charity Brain Tumour Research. The marathon holds significant meaning for Chloe, symbolizing hope and solidarity for families affected by similar struggles.
Carol Robertson, National Events Manager at Brain Tumour Research, expressed gratitude to Chloe for her marathon dedication, emphasizing the importance of continued research and support for brain tumor patients and their families.