A "BEAUTIFUL" 19-year-old girl died just months after suffering from persistent headaches "while studying hard at university".
Courtney Hector, from Bracknell in Berkshire, died in December 2022, less than a year after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
The student first battled headaches shortly after starting her law degree at Birmingham City University in 2021.
She then started losing her sight in both eyes, her hearing and control over the left side of her body.
Courtney's mum Kim said: "I would have done anything to take my beautiful baby girl’s pain away from her.
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"I would have swapped places with her. I would have done anything.
"So I want to raise awareness, to help others experiencing this.
"If I can help just one person, I feel like I am doing my best for Courtney.
"Please get headaches checked out if they linger."
Courtney went to A&E several times after suffering from severe headaches.
In January 2022 a scan picked up a small growth on the student's brain.
She was given steroids to reduce the swelling - but eventually needed surgery to reduce the pressure inside her skull.
Courtney's life seemed to go back to normal after the op went smoothly.
But in March 2022 she started to feel unwell again, losing sight in both eyes.
She underwent biopsies, radiography and punishing bouts of chemotherapy - to no avail.
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Courtney lost control of the left side of her body, developed type 1 diabetes and began losing her hearing.
She was rushed to hospital and put in intensive care after the cancer spread to the top of her spine in November 2022.
The 19-year-old fell into a coma before passing away on December 3, 2022.
'BRAVE DAUGHTER'
Kim said: "She fought and fought and fought. Since my best friend left me, I feel numb every day.
"I really don’t know what to do without her, but I’m trying. My beautiful brave daughter was so selfless and kind.
"She would want me, her family and friends to all continue to live life and do everything that she can no longer do."
Kim is now planning a skydive in May to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Courtney’s family and friends have already collected £17,000 through walks, coffee mornings and race nights.
Kim said: "More time and money needs to go into the research of brain tumours so other families do not have to experience this senseless loss my family and I are going through.
"I can’t believe I am doing it – and I don’t think Courtney would believe it either. I don’t like flying and I’m petrified of heights."
She added: "You know your body and your parents know you. If you have a gut feeling that it could be serious, you need to push.
"You need to make sure you are seen by a doctor."
To donate to Kim’s skydive, visit her JustGiving page.
