A former Scots rocker had his worst nightmare come true when he was diagnosed with a 3cm brain tumour after collapsing at home and being rushed to hospital.
Kenny Collins, 42, former frontman of rock band Logan, had been experiencing headaches and bouts of tinnitus for the past year, causing him to feel agitated and withdrawn. But after several visits to his GP and optician revealed nothing, he put some of the symptoms down to stress.
The dad-of-two, who lives in Dumbarton, tried his best to lead a healthy lifestyle despite the debilitating symptoms, running at least 5k a day and remaining teetotal. But his world came crashing down when he suddenly collapsed on September 9.
Kenny was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and after a CT scan, doctors confirmed he would need emergency surgery due to a 3cm mass on his brain. The operation drained fluid from his brain, which had been contributing to his intense pressure headaches.
Following an MRI scan on September 19, Kenny underwent a nine-hour surgery to remove the shadowed mass on the back left hand side of his brain and has remained in hospital since.
Wife Lynsey and children Ella and Lewis have been supporting Kenny from his bedside as the family await biopsy results to determine the type of tumour and results of spinal MRI scans to check if it has spread.
The majority of the tumour was removed by surgeons but part remains untouched due to it being dangerously close to Kenny's brain stem.
Kenny, founder and former front man of the Scottish rock band Logan, had been due to start his dream job in a high powered education position after a successful 16-year career as an education leader in a school for vulnerable young people.
With the uncertainty surrounding Kenny's diagnosis and his recovery from surgery, he has been left with the further distress and devastation of not being able to support his family after handing in his resignation.
Close friends of the family have decided to fundraise to ensure the family can be supported during the traumatic ordeal.
Rhona Lappin and Leona McCarn Donnelly have managed to raise over £6,000 so far and say all of Kenny's friends are determined to raise awareness of the symptoms of brain tumours.
Rhona told the Record: "Kenny has always been a vivacious character, full of fun and banter.
"He has always helped others during their time of need. Ironically, he completed the Glasgow Kiltwalk a few years ago to raise money for Brain Tumour Awareness.
Brain tumour symptoms
Common symptoms of brain tumours include:
- headaches.
- seizures
- persistently feeling sick, being sick and drowsiness.
- mental or behavioural changes, such as memory problems or changes in personality.
- progressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the body.
- vision or speech problems.
"His band, Logan, at the time played a charity gig for The Clutha helicopter disaster. These events, along with the tireless work Kenny has undertaken to support and educate disadvantaged young people, are only some of the amazing accomplishments so far in his life.
"Kenny and his family are still unaware of what further treatment will be required and how long it will take for him to be back on his feet and feeling and functioning better.
"His wife Lynsey continues to be a pillar of strength, at his bedside. The family are devastated that this has happened to Kenny, and while trying to always be strong, are struggling with the pending uncertainty."
Rhona added: "Kenny’s friends and colleagues are determined to help him now during his time of need and elevate additional worries and pressures that can be caused by finances.
"They are hoping to organise a concert to raise funds to support his family through this horrific ordeal.
"They are currently looking for a venue around Glasgow and appealing to musicians to help out. Some of his friends have also signed up to run the Loch Rannoch Marathon on 16th October to help with the cause, leaving them with less than 4 weeks to train."
Donations to the fundraising page can be made by clicking here.
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