Former Sky Sports presenter Kirsty Gallacher has disclosed that her brain tumour is 'growing very fast', providing a heartbreaking update on her health. The 59-year-old was diagnosed with a benign acoustic neuroma in summer 2021 and is currently undergoing radiotherapy.
Speaking outside High Wycombe magistrates' court on Wednesday after receiving a six-month driving ban for speeding, Gallacher tearfully explained: 'I have a brain tumour – an acoustic neuroma – it is benign, but it’s growing very fast. They have monitored it for the last three years. I am now doing radiotherapy.' She admitted she has 'no idea' if the treatment will work, adding: 'We don’t know if the radiotherapy is going to work, if it will shrink [the tumour] or not. It’s a bit of a suck it and see situation.'
Gallacher, who has two sons aged 18 and 15 with former rugby player Paul Samson, described herself as 'an ordinary mum with plates spinning' and said her health situation would make things 'very difficult'. She also revealed she was the victim of a 'targeted attack' in central London two weeks ago, according to police.
The court heard Gallacher was caught speeding at 35mph in a 30mph zone in Maiden's Green, Berkshire, on April 1, adding to nine existing penalty points. She pleaded guilty and sought an exemption from a driving ban due to her role as sole carer and provider for her children, living in a rural area with no feasible public transport. However, magistrates imposed a six-month ban.
Earlier this year, Gallacher told Loose Women that her tumour is 'inoperable' due to its location in the inner-ear canal near the brain. She expressed nervousness about radiotherapy but described it as her best hope. 'We hope that it might do the job, zap it,' she said. 'I'm very lucky that it's benign but it's the only way to manage it.'
