Swimmer’s ear infection turns out to be brain tumor

By Emma Dunn

A retired pro-swimmer was diagnosed with a brain tumor after her balance issues were mistaken for an ear infection.

Cate Jackson, 60, was initially told her headaches, fatigue and trouble balancing was due to an ear infection called labyrinthitis.

But when antibiotics made no difference, an MRI scan in March 2023 revealed a meningioma brain tumor was to blame.

Cate had an operation to remove the tumor, followed by radiotherapy, and is monitored with regular scans.

Her daughter, Isobel Manna, 26, completed a 83.7km run to raise money for charity Brain Tumour Research.

Isobel, a mental health support-worker, from Welwyn, Hertfordshire, said: "Mom became drained of energy and said how it felt like she needed someone to drill into the side of her head to alleviate the pressure she felt.

"I studied the brain during my psychology degree at university and thought something more sinister could be to blame.

“Despite mom not wanting to make a fuss, I encouraged her to go back to the GP and my fears were realized.”

The former Commonwealth swimmer, who swam for Great Britain at international level from 1981 to 1985 and currently races for Barnet Copthall Masters swimming team - started getting symptoms three years ago.

She was diagnosed with an ear infection in March 2022 and given antibiotics but they didn't stop her headaches or balance issues.

But Isobel said her mom didn't like a "fuss" but encouraged her to go the GP a year later when the symptoms were still there.

More from this section

Study discovers longevity may be down to one particular gene

Moles vs. birthmarks: What's normal and what warrants a check

Rural areas lag behind in cancer treatment and prevention – even as rich, urban areas increasingly leave dying from cancer in the rearview

An MRI scan finally revealed her tumor in March 2023.

Following treatment, Cate is being monitored regularly but able to live a normal life.

Isobel said: “Mom has some trouble with her cognitive processing, but is living life as normally.

"Mom’s brain tumor could be treated but I know for some people this isn’t the case. Brain Tumour Research is a cause I want to support so that more potential life-saving research can be carried out to keep families together."

Isobel has raised more than $1,000 for Brain Tumour Research to help find kinder treatments and eventually a cure for all types of brain tumors.

On May 17, 2025 she completed a run across the Jurassic coast.

She said: "It was fantastic but very different from running in the streets.

"I had planned to do the 100km distance but had to withdraw before as I lost body heat and couldn’t warm up and would’ve been too dangerous to continue.

"I’m so proud of myself for how far I ran, especially with the steep hills and drop."

Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Isobel for sharing her mom’s story and for taking on such a strenuous trekking challenge.

"Cate’s story is a stark reminder that brain tumors are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age and around 12,000 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumor each year.

"We’re grateful to Isobel for helping us shine a light on this devastating disease and supporting the brain tumor community.”