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Paralympian's Blurred Vision Leads to Lifesaving Brain Surgery
17 Nov
Summary
- Paralympian David Smith, 47, initially dismissed blurred vision and fatigue as side effects of TV viewing
- Relatives grew concerned after his behavior changed, leading to emergency CT scan revealing 3 brain tumors
- Smith underwent 6-hour surgery to remove a tumor the size of an orange and faces ongoing treatment
In August 2025, Paralympian David Smith, 47, began experiencing blurred vision and exhaustion, which he initially attributed to spending excessive time watching TV at home while recovering from a rib injury. However, upon returning from a trip to Jamaica, Smith's relatives grew concerned as he became withdrawn and exhibited changes in his typically cheerful demeanor.
Concerned friends and family observed that Smith was becoming irritable, reclusive, and lacking his usual sharp thinking. Heeding their advice, Smith attended Chelsea Hospital in October 2025, where an emergency CT scan uncovered three brain tumors. Doctors immediately performed a six-hour operation to extract a tumor the size of an orange, and Smith has since undergone another life-saving procedure to address fluid accumulation on his brain.
Medical professionals have confirmed that the tumors are benign, though Smith is now receiving radiotherapy to reduce the remaining two growths. The tumors had spread from a growth on his spine, which he had been battling since 2010. Smith's ordeal has left him facing a lifetime of check-ups, radiotherapy, and potential future operations as he continues his fight against the recurring tumors.
