Pupils rocked out to support teacher ahead of brain surgery
Julie, a primary school teacher for nearly 25 years, was involved in a car crash in February 2023 after suffering a seizure.
The Cathedral Primary, Motherwell, teacher was taken to Wishaw University Hospital, where doctors diagnosed a brain tumour.
Julie and Roddy dance with the kids (Image: Supplied) The 51-year-old was then referred to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Neurosurgeon Roddy O'Kane at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Julie said: "Meeting Roddy was surreal.
Read more:
Public inquiries putting 'extraordinary' pressure on Police Scotland
Talking Heads star announces two Glasgow shows on upcoming tour
SPT issues statement as bus firm axes all services after entering liquidation
"Even though I was receiving devastating news, I felt an odd sense of clarity, like life was giving me a wake-up call.
"Roddy was incredible. I immediately felt safe in his care.
Julie after surgery (Image: Supplied) "After he explained everything, we even shared a laugh. I started to feel lucky.
"I was lucky that the tumour had been found and that I had a chance to fight it.'
Julie was scheduled for surgery in June 2024 but had to step away from her primary six class after a scan showed changes in the tumour.
School kids shout Thunder with Roddy and Julie (Image: Supplied) On the day of her surgery, more than 600 pupils gathered in the assembly hall at 9.30am, armed with air guitars, to play AC/DC's Thunderstruck, known to be Dr O'Kane's pre-surgery ritual.
Julie said: 'When I saw the video after surgery, I was overwhelmed. Their energy, their joy. It lifted me. I truly felt their love.
"Just the day before my accident, I had made them a huge poster with the Memorare prayer.
Roddy and Julie (Image: Supplied) "They thought it was impossible to learn, but they said it every day.
"I believe their prayers and positivity helped carry me through.'
She visited the school with Dr O'Kane as part of a special assembly to say her thanks to the pupils in person.
More than 95% of Julie's glioblastoma stage four tumour was successfully removed.
She said: "I'm so grateful for the exceptional care I received before, during, and after surgery.
"Roddy and the entire team were phenomenal."
Despite retiring from teaching, Julie plans to continue volunteering at the school.
Before her treatment post-surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, she visited the school to get the 'ultimate power boost'.
She said: '600 cuddles filled with joy and happiness. Going to see the kids was going to my happy place.
"This school has been my life.
'I trained here, my three children went here, and I've watched so many pupils grow and thrive.
"I'm deeply thankful to the staff, the children, and my medical team at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and The Beatson. You're all truly remarkable.'
Mr O'Kane said: "When Julie showed me the video of the kids rocking out, I was nearly in tears.
"The support from the school has been incredible. Thank you to everyone for your positivity.
"And, who knows, maybe we've inspired a few future neurosurgeons.'
Graeme Young, headteacher at Cathedral Primary, said: "The children light up when Julie is around.
"We're so grateful to the doctors and nurses who helped her. Julie has been a cornerstone of this school, especially as we celebrate our 150th anniversary.
"She's helped bring that history to life for our pupils.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Rhyl Journal
Genetic testing study to boost medication response starts in Glasgow
The landmark trial will recruit up to 4,000 patients over the next two years in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, to investigate how an individual's genetic profile affects their response to 60 common medications. It is hoped the Phoenix Study will to lead to wider implementation of genetic testing across Scotland, making 'precision medicine' routine, for the first time. Researchers hope it will pave the way for tailored prescribing across cardiology, stroke, surgery, orthopaedics, geriatrics, gynaecology, ENT, rheumatology, respiratory, neurology, psychiatry and other specialities. The trial will take place at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow. Pharmacogenomics (PGx) – the study of how genes influence individual responses to drugs – has not been routinely used in clinical practice in the UK, amid hopes evidence will lead to change. Genetic test results will be sent to clinicians, allowing for treatment decisions to be adjusted, and patients will be followed up regularly to monitor the effects of any changes, to ensure they receive the highest standard of care. Patients will undergo a simple genetic test to analyse their DNA and the results, returned within days, will help doctors determine whether each patient is receiving the most suitable drug and dosage based on their genetic make-up. Around 15% are expected to carry genetic variants that may reduce the effectiveness of a medication or increase the risk of side-effects. In some cases, the prescribed drug may be ineffective, or a different dosage may be needed. The trial is open to adult in-patients in the QEUH and patients will be randomly assigned to either receive the pharmacogenomic test immediately, or at three months, which will allow the researchers to establish evidence of benefit. Without prior testing, these issues can go unnoticed, often leading to a trial-and-error approach to treatment, according to researchers. It is led by Sandosh Padmanabhan, Pontecorvo chair of Pharmacogenomics at the University of Glasgow, in partnership with the University of Glasgow's Living Laboratory, the NHSGGC-hosted West of Scotland Innovation Hub, and industry partners MyDNA and Agena Bioscience. Patient Eric Balish was asked to take part by consultants, after having a heart attack and subsequent surgery. He was immediately prescribed clopidogrel, one of the 60 drugs included in the study, but has since had his medication changed a number of times. Mr Balish said: 'I knew a bit about personalised medicine previously, and so when I was asked to take part in the Phoenix Study I was happy to do it. 'If you're asked to participate and support long-term research like this, then it's no great hardship to give something back and just do the right thing. I am hopeful my information can be of use to the trial and in the future.' Prof Padmanabhan, a consultant at the QEUH, said: 'Physicians and pharmacists increasingly recognise that PGx-informed prescribing and dispensing improves both the efficacy and safety of drug treatment. 'The primary goal of this trial is to evaluate the clinical and health-economic impact of PGx-guided prescribing. 'Specifically, we want to determine if a PGx-guided approach to prescribing can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of drug related side-effects and/or treatment failures. 'This evaluation will compare the outcomes of participants who receive PGx-guided medication management to those receiving standard care.' Dr Katriona Brooksbank, research and innovation lead for NHSGGC and the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, said: 'We are incredibly excited to be supporting this trial, which could have a major impact on the treatments patients are prescribed based on their own genetics. 'It will put precision medicine into action as researchers look to determine how a person's own genetic make-up can affect the drugs they are given as treatments. 'This could allow clinicians to reduce adverse reactions and side effects, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.' Allan Sheffield, co-founder of MyDNA, said: 'For MyDNA, the Phoenix Study embodies the future of healthcare. 'Our unique combination of pharmacogenomic clinical decision support and in-house Gene by Gene accredited testing empowers clinicians to move beyond guesswork. 'This trial will demonstrate the profound impact of precision medicine, paving the way for a future where this approach routinely drives better patient outcomes.'
North Wales Chronicle
7 days ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Genetic testing study to boost medication response starts in Glasgow
The landmark trial will recruit up to 4,000 patients over the next two years in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, to investigate how an individual's genetic profile affects their response to 60 common medications. It is hoped the Phoenix Study will to lead to wider implementation of genetic testing across Scotland, making 'precision medicine' routine, for the first time. Researchers hope it will pave the way for tailored prescribing across cardiology, stroke, surgery, orthopaedics, geriatrics, gynaecology, ENT, rheumatology, respiratory, neurology, psychiatry and other specialities. The trial will take place at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow. Pharmacogenomics (PGx) – the study of how genes influence individual responses to drugs – has not been routinely used in clinical practice in the UK, amid hopes evidence will lead to change. Genetic test results will be sent to clinicians, allowing for treatment decisions to be adjusted, and patients will be followed up regularly to monitor the effects of any changes, to ensure they receive the highest standard of care. Patients will undergo a simple genetic test to analyse their DNA and the results, returned within days, will help doctors determine whether each patient is receiving the most suitable drug and dosage based on their genetic make-up. Around 15% are expected to carry genetic variants that may reduce the effectiveness of a medication or increase the risk of side-effects. In some cases, the prescribed drug may be ineffective, or a different dosage may be needed. The trial is open to adult in-patients in the QEUH and patients will be randomly assigned to either receive the pharmacogenomic test immediately, or at three months, which will allow the researchers to establish evidence of benefit. Without prior testing, these issues can go unnoticed, often leading to a trial-and-error approach to treatment, according to researchers. It is led by Sandosh Padmanabhan, Pontecorvo chair of Pharmacogenomics at the University of Glasgow, in partnership with the University of Glasgow's Living Laboratory, the NHSGGC-hosted West of Scotland Innovation Hub, and industry partners MyDNA and Agena Bioscience. Patient Eric Balish was asked to take part by consultants, after having a heart attack and subsequent surgery. He was immediately prescribed clopidogrel, one of the 60 drugs included in the study, but has since had his medication changed a number of times. Mr Balish said: 'I knew a bit about personalised medicine previously, and so when I was asked to take part in the Phoenix Study I was happy to do it. 'If you're asked to participate and support long-term research like this, then it's no great hardship to give something back and just do the right thing. I am hopeful my information can be of use to the trial and in the future.' Prof Padmanabhan, a consultant at the QEUH, said: 'Physicians and pharmacists increasingly recognise that PGx-informed prescribing and dispensing improves both the efficacy and safety of drug treatment. 'The primary goal of this trial is to evaluate the clinical and health-economic impact of PGx-guided prescribing. 'Specifically, we want to determine if a PGx-guided approach to prescribing can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of drug related side-effects and/or treatment failures. 'This evaluation will compare the outcomes of participants who receive PGx-guided medication management to those receiving standard care.' Dr Katriona Brooksbank, research and innovation lead for NHSGGC and the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, said: 'We are incredibly excited to be supporting this trial, which could have a major impact on the treatments patients are prescribed based on their own genetics. 'It will put precision medicine into action as researchers look to determine how a person's own genetic make-up can affect the drugs they are given as treatments. 'This could allow clinicians to reduce adverse reactions and side effects, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.' Allan Sheffield, co-founder of MyDNA, said: 'For MyDNA, the Phoenix Study embodies the future of healthcare. 'Our unique combination of pharmacogenomic clinical decision support and in-house Gene by Gene accredited testing empowers clinicians to move beyond guesswork. 'This trial will demonstrate the profound impact of precision medicine, paving the way for a future where this approach routinely drives better patient outcomes.'
Leader Live
7 days ago
- Leader Live
Genetic testing study to boost medication response starts in Glasgow
The landmark trial will recruit up to 4,000 patients over the next two years in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, to investigate how an individual's genetic profile affects their response to 60 common medications. It is hoped the Phoenix Study will to lead to wider implementation of genetic testing across Scotland, making 'precision medicine' routine, for the first time. Researchers hope it will pave the way for tailored prescribing across cardiology, stroke, surgery, orthopaedics, geriatrics, gynaecology, ENT, rheumatology, respiratory, neurology, psychiatry and other specialities. The trial will take place at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow. Pharmacogenomics (PGx) – the study of how genes influence individual responses to drugs – has not been routinely used in clinical practice in the UK, amid hopes evidence will lead to change. Genetic test results will be sent to clinicians, allowing for treatment decisions to be adjusted, and patients will be followed up regularly to monitor the effects of any changes, to ensure they receive the highest standard of care. Patients will undergo a simple genetic test to analyse their DNA and the results, returned within days, will help doctors determine whether each patient is receiving the most suitable drug and dosage based on their genetic make-up. Around 15% are expected to carry genetic variants that may reduce the effectiveness of a medication or increase the risk of side-effects. In some cases, the prescribed drug may be ineffective, or a different dosage may be needed. The trial is open to adult in-patients in the QEUH and patients will be randomly assigned to either receive the pharmacogenomic test immediately, or at three months, which will allow the researchers to establish evidence of benefit. Without prior testing, these issues can go unnoticed, often leading to a trial-and-error approach to treatment, according to researchers. It is led by Sandosh Padmanabhan, Pontecorvo chair of Pharmacogenomics at the University of Glasgow, in partnership with the University of Glasgow's Living Laboratory, the NHSGGC-hosted West of Scotland Innovation Hub, and industry partners MyDNA and Agena Bioscience. Patient Eric Balish was asked to take part by consultants, after having a heart attack and subsequent surgery. He was immediately prescribed clopidogrel, one of the 60 drugs included in the study, but has since had his medication changed a number of times. Mr Balish said: 'I knew a bit about personalised medicine previously, and so when I was asked to take part in the Phoenix Study I was happy to do it. 'If you're asked to participate and support long-term research like this, then it's no great hardship to give something back and just do the right thing. I am hopeful my information can be of use to the trial and in the future.' Prof Padmanabhan, a consultant at the QEUH, said: 'Physicians and pharmacists increasingly recognise that PGx-informed prescribing and dispensing improves both the efficacy and safety of drug treatment. 'The primary goal of this trial is to evaluate the clinical and health-economic impact of PGx-guided prescribing. 'Specifically, we want to determine if a PGx-guided approach to prescribing can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of drug related side-effects and/or treatment failures. 'This evaluation will compare the outcomes of participants who receive PGx-guided medication management to those receiving standard care.' Dr Katriona Brooksbank, research and innovation lead for NHSGGC and the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, said: 'We are incredibly excited to be supporting this trial, which could have a major impact on the treatments patients are prescribed based on their own genetics. 'It will put precision medicine into action as researchers look to determine how a person's own genetic make-up can affect the drugs they are given as treatments. 'This could allow clinicians to reduce adverse reactions and side effects, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.' Allan Sheffield, co-founder of MyDNA, said: 'For MyDNA, the Phoenix Study embodies the future of healthcare. 'Our unique combination of pharmacogenomic clinical decision support and in-house Gene by Gene accredited testing empowers clinicians to move beyond guesswork. 'This trial will demonstrate the profound impact of precision medicine, paving the way for a future where this approach routinely drives better patient outcomes.'
