TV Presenter's Health Battle Takes Emotional Turn in Court
Sky Sports News presenter Kirsty Gallacher has delivered a worrying health update about her brain tumour, revealing the growth has accelerated significantly. The 49-year-old broadcaster made the emotional disclosure during a court hearing where she received a six-month driving ban.
Gallacher explained that she was diagnosed with acoustic neuroma four years ago - a benign tumour located in her inner ear canal that has already left her deaf in one ear. 'I have a brain tumour - an acoustic neuroma - it is benign, but it's growing very fast,' she told the court, as reported by The Sun.
Ongoing Treatment and Uncertain Future
The television personality revealed she has recently begun radiotherapy treatment after three years of monitoring the tumour's progress. 'They have monitored it for the last three years. I am now doing radiotherapy,' she stated during proceedings at Maiden's Green, Berkshire.
Gallacher expressed uncertainty about the treatment's effectiveness, describing her situation as 'a bit of a suck-it-and-see situation.' She added: 'We don't know if the radiotherapy is going to work, if it will shrink the tumour or not.'
The presenter took a week off work recently to undergo her first radiotherapy session and faces regular medical appointments. She indicated that further radiotherapy or possibly an operation might be necessary depending on how the tumour responds to current treatment.
Driving Ban Adds to Challenges
Gallacher appeared in court after being caught speeding at 35mph in a 30mph zone on April 1. With nine existing points from three previous offences over two years, the new violation triggered an automatic six-month driving ban.
During her hearing, the mother-of-two made an emotional appeal to keep her licence, arguing that losing her driving privileges would severely impact her ability to care for her children and attend medical appointments. 'I am the sole financial provider for my two children,' she explained, adding that she couldn't afford regular taxi fares.
Despite her appeals, District Judge Arvind Sharma imposed the ban along with a £1,044 fine. The judge acknowledged her circumstances but stated: 'I accept that things will be harder for you, but those are all manageable.'
Gallacher expressed frustration with the ruling when speaking to the Daily Mail afterwards: 'There's no empathy. I'm just an ordinary mum with plates spinning, I do everything. With my health as well, it's going to be very difficult.'
Recent Challenges Compound Health Struggles
The court appearance comes shortly after Gallacher reported being assaulted by a stranger on a London street in October. She described how a man 'began kicking her like he was kicking a football' in an unprovoked attack while she walked to her car around 7pm on a Tuesday evening.
Gallacher, who previously hosted The Great British Breakfast on GB News before stepping down after her tumour diagnosis, shares two sons with her ex-husband, rugby player Paul Sampson. The couple were married from 2010 until 2015.
The presenter continues to work on Gold Radio, reportedly earning £150,000 annually, and told the court she has approximately £80,000 in savings. Despite this, she maintained that losing her driving licence would create significant practical challenges given her health condition and family responsibilities.
