Kirsty Gallacher Reveals Her Brain Tumour Is “Growing Very Fast” as She Faces Driving Ban and Uncertain Treatment

TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher has shared a heartbreaking update about her ongoing health battle, revealing in court that her benign brain tumour has begun “growing very fast” despite years of monitoring. The former Sky Sports News anchor, 49, was diagnosed in 2021 with an acoustic neuroma, a type of non-cancerous tumour that develops on nerves affecting balance and hearing (**nguồn: NHS – Acoustic Neuroma Overview).

Gallacher’s condition came to light again on Wednesday, 12 November, when she appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court for a speeding offence and was subsequently handed a six-month driving ban. During the hearing, she revealed distressing new details about her health and treatment.

“It’s growing very fast” – Kirsty opens up about her tumour

While addressing the court, Gallacher explained:

“I have a brain tumour – an acoustic neuroma. It is benign, but it’s growing very fast. They have monitored it for three years. I am now doing radiotherapy.”

She added that doctors do not yet know whether radiotherapy will successfully shrink the tumour:

“We don’t know if the radiotherapy is going to work… It’s a bit of a ‘suck it and see’ situation.”

Acoustic neuromas can be difficult to treat depending on their size and location, particularly when positioned deep within the inner ear canal — an area that poses surgical risks (**nguồn: Mayo Clinic – Acoustic Neuroma Treatment).

2 of 4 Kirsty Gallacher has revealed that her brain tumour is 'growing very fast' in a heartbreaking update about her health

Gallacher continued:

“I have lots of appointments. I took a week off for my first radiotherapy session last week. I may need more radiotherapy, or possibly an operation.”

The presenter previously spoke about her diagnosis on Loose Women, saying she was “really nervous” about treatment and that her tumour’s position made surgery extremely complicated (**nguồn: ITV – Loose Women Interview).

Balancing treatment, parenthood and responsibilities

Kirsty, who shares two sons with ex-husband Paul Sampson, emphasised the strain her condition has placed on everyday life:

“I’m an ordinary mum with plates spinning. With my health, it’s going to be very difficult.”

She described herself as the sole carer and financial provider for her children, aged 15 and 18, explaining how crucial driving is to her daily routine:

“We live in the middle of the countryside. Public transport is not feasible. I take my son to school every morning — I enjoy doing that.”

She warned that a ban could leave her younger son unable to attend his sports commitments, including golf and rugby.

The speeding offence and her failed mitigation plea

The court heard that Gallacher was caught driving 35mph in a 30mph zone in Maiden’s Green, Berkshire, on 1 April at around 8am. She already had nine points on her licence from previous offences.

She attempted to apply for a driving-ban exemption on the grounds of “exceptional hardship”, but the magistrates declined.

Despite the ruling, Gallacher remained composed while discussing her health and responsibilities — a moment that left many following the case expressing sympathy online.

A career marked by resilience

Kirsty Gallacher is best known for her long tenure presenting live sports coverage on Sky Sports, where she became one of the network’s most recognised faces (**nguồn: Sky Sports – Presenter Archives).

She later appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, Saturday Night Takeaway, and multiple charity programmes, solidifying her status as a well-loved British TV personality.

Her followers on Instagram — where she has been sharing updates about her health journey — have praised her openness and courage during an emotionally and physically exhausting period (**nguồn: Daily Mirror – Celebrity Health Updates).

An uncertain road ahead

For now, Gallacher is focused on continuing treatment while caring for her children. As she told the court:

“We don’t know if the radiotherapy will shrink the tumour or not.”

Acoustic neuromas can affect hearing, balance, facial nerves and neurological function if they continue to grow untreated. Radiotherapy is often used to halt or slow progression, but outcomes can vary (**nguồn: Johns Hopkins Medicine – Acoustic Neuroma Facts).

Despite the challenges, Gallacher has expressed determination to remain strong for her children as she navigates her health, treatment, and now, her driving ban.