Camborne Bethan Davies shaves her hair for Epilepsy Action Cornwall

CAMBORNE photographer Bethan Davies underwent an operation at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth about a month ago to remove a cyst that caused daily epileptic seizures.

The delighted 30-year-old, who is known as Betty and also works part-time at Truro's Lush cosmetics store, said: "My epilepsy caused a lot of tiredness and really affected my quality of life.

"Because no medication helped me my doctors decided to operate on the cyst that put pressure on my brain and caused the seizures.

"I haven't had one seizure since the surgery and now feel like the luckiest girl in the world."

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Bethan went under the knife for about six hours in October to remove some of the slow-growing tumor in her brain called epidermoid cyst.

In order to access it surgeons had to open the left side of her head, remove part of her skull and front left section of her temporal lobe.

Bethan said the operation has enabled her to enjoy life to the fullest, doing things that most people take for granted.

She has taken up surfing, sea swimming and is investing more time in her photography business Betty in Motion.

"At first I thought I suffered from panic attacks which did not suit me as a person because I am quite positive and outgoing. It really knocked my confidence.

"I had to stop driving and teaching because I lost my usual energy and concentration levels and I felt I was letting everyone down.

"Now I feel I have got my spark back, I am full of beans, laughter and giggles. I found myself again and it just feels unbelievable.

"It has changed my life massively and I have been able to be much more active and adventurous with all my little dreams and aspirations coming together."

To celebrate the operation and thank Epilepsy Action Cornwall, which helped her to cope and live with the condition, Bethan did a sponsored headshave with her 13-year-old friend Tyrone Gilbert outside Truro's Lush store.

The event raised £400 for the Truro-based charity.

Bethan added: "The group has been of massive support and has helped me to accept that I have epilepsy, being more comfortable with it and learning to live with it.

"They really boosted my confidence and helped me to be myself again."

Epilepsy Action Cornwall meets on the last Wednesday of every month at Truro British Legion between 7pm and 9pm.