Big Brother star Charlotte Doherty announced she has been diagnosed with a rare brain tumour.
The reality star, 39, who starred in the 2016 series when it aired on Channel 5, said she has acoustic neuroma, a benign (non-cancerous) tumor in the brain.
Charlotte, who welcomed her son 16 months ago, said she found her diagnosis ‘scary and frankly shocking’ after pushing to have an MRI scan because she was struggling with ‘ongoing issues which have gone on for a while’.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, she wrote: ‘So I received some rubbish news this week… I have been having some ongoing issues which has gone on a while and I pushed for an MRI which has resulted in them finding a brain tumour.
‘I have been researching and finding out as much as I can and I basically wanted to share awareness that this is happening more and more and to younger people, I don’t know if this was caused by environmental factors but if I was to hazard a guess it could be from mobile phone use in my right ear for a number of years/ sunbeds / nightclubs in loud music.
‘That’s obviously just speculation as I don’t know enough about it yet. Other than it’s rare and does have treatment options.’
Charlotte then asked for those who know more about the tumour or have it themselves to get in touch as she wants advice.
‘To me this is a very alien subject scary and quite frankly shocking,’ she added.
‘Sorry to share such a negative list but I am very health conscious and worried. And any information people can give me (as well as the professionals) is all appreciated right now. Love and peace’.
An acoustic neuroma, or vestibular schwannoma grows on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which helps control hearing and balance.
A small acoustic neuroma can lead to problems with hearing loss or tinnitus.
A large acoustic neuroma can cause a number of symptoms, including headaches and blurred vision, numbness and a problem with co-ordination on one side of the body.
Occasionally, large neuromas can also result in muscle weakness on one side of the face.
Charlotte was evicted from Big Brother four weeks into the series with her ex Jason Burrill winning the show.
Fans took to the comment section to show their support.
They wrote: ‘Sending love & strength’ and ‘I’m so sorry. That must be incredibly scary. Sending you love’.
‘Oh Charlie I’m sorry to hear this, sending lots of love to you and a speedy recovery xxx’.