On January 12, Mel will set off on the Spine Race, aiming to run 268 miles along the whole of the Pennine Way, from Edale to Kirk Yetholm in Scotland.
She was treated for a Chiari malformation in October 2023 by the specialist neurosurgery team at ĢtvƵ General Infirmary, under the care of Mr Ian Anderson.
The condition pushes part of the brain out through the bottom of the skull, pressing on the spinal cord and brain stem, causing double vision and balance problems.
Mel didn’t know if she’d ever be able to run again, but her recovery was dramatic, and she was able to run an 18-mile race just four months after surgery.
Mel said: “I first started with symptoms in the summer of 2023 – I’d just done my first 100-mile race, although I’ve been reassured that didn’t cause this!
“I began with double vision in the summer which my optician and GP didn’t seem too concerned about at the time. I was prescribed some glasses, but these didn’t really help and I was starting to struggle with my work as a specialist podiatrist.
“Everyone kept asking me if I felt tired. At this point I had a full-time job and was running 100-mile races – I didn’t know what was normal tired or poorly tired.
“My colleagues were so supportive throughout all of the investigations but it became too difficult to manage my work with the double vision and I had to stop driving, so then I had to go off work. As soon as I did, all of the other symptoms came on pretty quickly.
“I was losing my balance, my left hand, arm and the left side of my face had pins and needles constantly, and I had a strange tremor in my head. In just a week, I couldn’t even walk in a straight line and was starting to slur my speech.”
Mel was initially treated at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust, where they referred her to the specialist neurosurgery team at ĢtvƵ General Infirmary.
Mel remembers: “As soon as I saw Mr Anderson, he knew straight away. He said they didn’t get these very often. It was baffling that I actually felt well, except for the effect on my balance and my eyesight.”
Mr Anderson diagnosed Mel with a Chiari malformation. She had her first appointment on Tuesday, was admitted to hospital on the Friday, and by Monday found herself in theatre for her operation.
“I was in tears. Not because I was scared, although I probably should have been knowing I was going to have brain surgery. But I was so relieved that I had an answer and that Mr Anderson was so sure he could fix it.”
Mel’s surgery lasted about two hours and was undertaken by Mr Anderson and Mr Emeka Okorie, his Neurosurgical Registrar. As she came round, the first thing she was worried about was what happened next.
“I asked them if I’d ever be able to run an ultramarathon again. They told me that they couldn’t guarantee I’d be able to run at all, let alone to the extremes I’d been doing!
“I had to accept it and concentrate on my recovery.”
Mr Anderson, Consultant Neurosurgeon, said: “Melanie is an inspirational patient. We see patients with Chiari malformation not infrequently but hers was one of the most substantial that I have come across and her symptoms were so severe that I knew that she needed her surgery urgently.
“It’s humbling to see how courageous and determined our patients can be. I feel sure that her fantastic recovery is due, in no small amount, to her positive attitude!”
Once Mel was discharged she spent time at her parents, with friends and family picking her up and taking her out and about.
“I was up on my feet quite quickly but walking small distances at first, to the end of the street and back was all I could manage as long as a friend was with me.
“By the end of December I was able to start some slow running again. Then in February, I ran an 18-mile race – just four months after brain surgery.”
Now she’s ready to take on the Spine Race.
“I was able to stop wearing my glasses about three months ago as my vision is back to normal,” said Mel. “Sometimes I’m a bit wobbly on my feet still but I’m doing great.
“I never thought I’d be up and about again – let alone doing crazy things like this.
“I really struggled to find anyone else who had the same thing as me, so I want to share my story as a way of encouraging others through it, and letting them know that recovery and getting back to your hobbies is possible.
“I feel better than ever and so grateful to Mr Anderson and his team for taking such good care of me and literally getting me back on my feet!”
The Spine Race leaves Edale on 12th January 2025, and competitors have a week to reach the finish line in Scotland.
To follow runners in the Spine Race, go to: