Glasgow cancer nurse cares for mum and son 30 years apart

Stephanie Muirhead, 46, and her 14-year-old son Andrew were both cared for by neuro-oncology nurse specialist Angela Howat more than 30 years apart, following treatment for childhood cancer at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals.

Stephanie was treated at Yorkhill Hospital in 1990 for a spinal tumour, and three decades later, Angela supported her son Andrew during treatment for a medulloblastoma brain tumour at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow.

Stephanie said: "We’ve made friendships for life, especially with nurse Angela Howat, who treated us both.

"I was cared for in ward 7A at Yorkhill Hospital by an amazing team of nurses, including Ann Clarkin, Gillian Paton—and Angela.

"Everyone in that ward was amazing.

"I wish I could name and thank them all."

Andrew’s symptoms first appeared in May 2023 and continued into the summer, prompting a GP referral to RHC.

An MRI scan revealed a brain tumour, and doctors advised immediate surgery.

Stephenia said: "When they started using dye for the scan, I knew something was wrong.

"It felt like he was in theatre for an eternity.

"The neurosurgeon removed most of the tumour but left a thin layer to avoid damaging Andrew’s muscles.

"We were told further treatment would include chemotherapy and proton therapy."

Andrew faced a difficult recovery, needing physiotherapy to strengthen his neck and later requiring a wheelchair during chemotherapy.

His mum said the treatment "really knocked him out" and that hospital staff were "incredible," with special praise for Angela.

Angela, who is now a neuro-oncology clinical nurse specialist, said the experience had been deeply moving.

She said: "At the beginning of my career, I cared for Stephanie when she was a young girl, supporting her throughout her treatment and rehabilitation.

"Thirty-three years later, I had the privilege of stepping into a new role as a neuro-oncology nurse specialist and caring for her son, Andrew.

“Andrew received intensive rehabilitation from the physiotherapy, occupational therapy and neuro‑oncology multidisciplinary teams, and has shown remarkable strength, resilience and quiet determination in returning to school and embracing life to the fullest.

“Caring for two generations of the same family has been very emotional and a powerful reminder of the lasting bonds formed with patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments.”

Andrew with Nurse Angela Howat as he rings the cancer bell at the end of his treatment. (Image: Stephanie Muirhead/PA Wire)

The RHC was recently recognised as a Tessa Jowell Centre for Excellence for its care of children with brain tumours, particularly its "cohesive, wrap-around support" for patients and families.

One of Andrew’s neurosurgeons, Roddy O’Kane, said his case showed the importance of collaboration across many disciplines.

He said: "Children’s cancer care is truly multi-disciplinary, involving nurses, surgeons, oncologists, dietitians, physiotherapists, play specialists, teachers and volunteers.

"Andrew’s journey shows the strength of this team and his own remarkable resilience.

"We’re all proud of him and wish him well for the future."

In summer 2024, Andrew was told he is currently cancer-free and will continue to have regular scans to monitor it.

Stephanie, who has also remained cancer-free since July 1990, continues to attend yearly appointments at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

Before Andrew’s surgery, she promised him a special reward once it was over.

She said: "He asked for a dog and now Benny is part of our family."

Andrew was also nominated by his community nurses for a Dream Flight trip to Florida, where he visited Disneyland and Universal Studios.

His mum said: "We couldn’t believe it when the charity accepted.

"He had the time of his life."