"I would happily go cycle naked around the capital 100 times in a row than go through having my brain tumour again." Those are the words of Stephen Lewis, who will take on the World Naked Bike Ride in London with his partner on 14 June. The couple from Newark in Nottinghamshire will be raising money for the mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) because of their struggles after Mr Lewis's diagnosis and treatment of a brain tumour. The 38-year-old, who works as a train driver, says he had his work and life upended by the cholesterol granuloma between his brain and eye socket, and still deals with the aftermath two years later. "When I first had symptoms I wasn't overly sort of bothered by them," Mr Lewis said. He had started to experience double vision in 2023 and saw an optician, who assured him it was normal for someone his age. But after feeling that something was not right in his body, he sought out an MRI scan which revealed the tumour. "I remember the room turning into like this tunnel, and Shayne was sat to my left, and I completely shut down. "He was asking all the right questions, but I remember at that point, I sort of went into this self-preservation mode, and because of the nature of it no-one truly knew how to operate." After visiting hospitals in Nottingham, Sheffield, and Lincoln, a surgeon in Leicester figured out how to proceed with the removal, Mr Lewis said. He was told the tumour might be cancerous, and there was no way of knowing until it would have been taken out. Mr Lewis said that was when doctors told him to consider writing his will. It turned out the tumour between his eye socket and brain was a cholesterol granuloma, which is a type of benign cyst. Despite the successful removal, the ordeal left Mr Lewis feeling at his "lowest" afterwards. "I held myself up strong the whole time, being strong for everyone else as well because it upsets so many family members, especially my mum," he said. "Perhaps after it all, because I had done that so hard, maybe my brain was mentally exhausted from it, and I finally felt the true nature of what I went through." He feared the tumour would stop him from working as a train driver, which had been his "goal in life". Despite his recovery progress, he can currently only work up to three days a week because of his medication, although he said this should be only temporary. It was one of his partner's friends who invited the pair to take part in the World Naked Bike Ride to commemorate the overcoming of the health scare. "I thought, not a chance," Mr Lewis recalls of his initial reaction. "Then I sat on it and thought, you know what, if I could go through what I went through with my brain tumour, then I can do anything. "I figured as well, because of the impact that all this has had on my mental health, I'd like to sort of strip away the stigma." He said there were lingering elements of the railway industry being "male-oriented", which made it important to encourage people to talk about their mental health. "I thought by doing this bold move, it'll gain people's interest, and it has really," he said. "It's raised a lot of conversations, certainly with colleagues, talking about their own mental health stories, so in my eyes it's really worked." The route of the World Naked Bike Ride will see the pair cycle through some of London's busiest areas. Cyclists from across the world will depart at 14:50 BST on 14 June from Regents Park. Follow BBC Nottingham onFacebook, onX, or onInstagram. Send your story ideas toeastmidsnews@bbc.co.ukor viaWhatsAppon 0808 100 2210.
'Cycling naked is nothing compared to tumour pain'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Train Driver Participates in World Naked Bike Ride to Raise Awareness for Mental Health"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Stephen Lewis, a 38-year-old train driver from Newark in Nottinghamshire, has decided to participate in the World Naked Bike Ride in London on June 14, alongside his partner. This event holds significant meaning for him as he aims to raise funds for the mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) following his personal battle with a brain tumour. Lewis's ordeal began when he experienced double vision in 2023, which he initially dismissed as a common issue for his age. However, his instinctive concern led him to seek an MRI scan, ultimately revealing a cholesterol granuloma, a benign cyst situated between his brain and eye socket. This revelation marked the beginning of a challenging journey that involved multiple hospital visits and a critical surgery in Leicester, where he was warned about the potential cancerous nature of the tumour and advised to consider writing a will. Although the surgery was successful, the emotional and psychological toll of the experience left him feeling at his lowest point, exacerbated by the fear that his condition might jeopardize his career as a train driver, a role he cherished deeply.
After enduring the physical and mental repercussions of his health scare, Lewis found motivation in the idea of the World Naked Bike Ride. Initially hesitant about participating, he ultimately embraced the challenge, realizing that if he could overcome the trauma of his brain tumour, he could conquer any challenge. His participation is not just a personal milestone but also a means to advocate for mental health awareness, particularly in a male-dominated industry like railways. Lewis hopes that by taking a bold step, he can inspire conversations about mental health among his colleagues and help dismantle the stigma surrounding it. The ride will see participants cycling through some of London’s most bustling areas, with Lewis and his partner among the many cyclists expected to join the event at 14:50 BST from Regents Park. Through this experience, Lewis aims to highlight the importance of mental health discussions and encourage others to share their own stories and struggles.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the personal journey of Stephen Lewis, who is preparing to participate in the World Naked Bike Ride in London as a means to raise awareness and funds for mental health, particularly regarding the struggles faced after a brain tumour diagnosis. Through his story, the piece addresses broader societal issues related to mental health, health challenges, and community support.
Purpose of the Article
The primary aim of this article is to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals dealing with serious health issues and the importance of mental health support. By using Stephen's story, the article seeks to inspire others who may be struggling with similar issues, all while promoting the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). This charity focuses on suicide prevention and mental health awareness, indicating a strong community outreach component.
Impacts on Public Perception
The narrative crafted in the article aims to foster empathy and understanding towards individuals suffering from health conditions. It encourages readers to recognize the importance of mental health and the challenges that come with physical illnesses. This can create a more supportive community atmosphere, particularly for those who may feel isolated due to their experiences.
Concealment of Other Issues
While the article is focused on Stephen's personal experience, it does not delve into systemic issues such as healthcare accessibility or the mental health crisis in society. By concentrating on a single narrative, it might unintentionally divert attention from the broader context of healthcare challenges that many face.
Manipulative Elements
The article has a low level of manipulativeness. It presents a personal narrative that is relatable and emotionally engaging without overtly pushing a specific agenda beyond raising mental health awareness. The emotional weight of Stephen's story can evoke sympathy, but it does so in a way that aligns with its stated purpose of promoting mental health advocacy.
Realism of the Content
The story appears credible, with detailed personal accounts and specific medical experiences that lend authenticity. The mention of specific medical terms, like "cholesterol granuloma," and the description of his emotional state during diagnosis contribute to its realism.
Societal Implications
The article could potentially influence public discourse around mental health, encouraging more open conversations and support networks. It may lead to increased donations and support for CALM, which could have positive effects on mental health resources in the community.
Target Audience
The article likely resonates more with individuals who have experienced health issues or know someone who has. It may also appeal to those passionate about mental health advocacy and community support initiatives.
Economic and Market Influence
While the article itself may not directly impact stock markets or economic sectors, it underscores the growing importance of mental health awareness in society. Companies involved in mental health services or non-profits may see increased interest or donations as a result of narratives like this.
Global Context
This story ties into a broader global dialogue about health, mental well-being, and community support, particularly as societies emerge from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it holds relevance in today's context.
AI Usage in Content Creation
There is no evident indication that AI was used in the drafting of this article, as the personal narrative and emotional depth suggest a human touch. AI might influence how such stories are presented or disseminated on platforms but does not appear to have shaped this specific piece.
Conclusion
Overall, the article presents a sincere and impactful narrative that promotes mental health awareness and community support. Its focus on an individual's journey provides a relatable entry point into discussions about mental health, while its authenticity and emotional resonance contribute to its reliability.