Channel 4 viewers were left “broken” and in tears following deeply emotional scenes in 24 Hours in A&E as an “incredible” doctor told a father of two he had a brain tumour.
Dr Vijay Nar was hailed as a hero as he treated Richard Powell who was rushed into hospital with a suspected stroke after suffering a seizure in the night.
Aviation insurer Richard had previously suffered fit-like symptoms and struggled to speak, believed to be caused by stress.
But following a CT scan that revealed the 54-year-old had a mass on his brain affecting his speech, Dr Nar was seen breaking the awful news to the patient and his wife Mary.
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24 hours in A&E Vijay…the consummate professional and an example of how wonderful our Health Service can be. We should use that fella as a prime example of the importance of maintaining and supporting a vital cog in all our lives…
— McBristow (@21schizoid) February 27, 2018
Tough viewing on 24hours in a&e tonight. Incredible neurologist breaking such awful news to a family #proudtobeNHS
— Sophie (@parks3004) February 27, 2018
Catching up on #24 hours in A&E and I am broken 😢 #Vijay’s word hit me hard… “Savour every relationship. Make that little bit extra effort.” A true hero right there… the #NHS (and the world) needs many more Vijays!! #24hrsae
— Stacey Anne (@stacey_anne84) February 27, 2018
He explained: “On the scan, there is a small mass that we have found.
“Sometimes it’s very difficult. It can sometimes be like stress, and it can be like anxiety.”
Reassuring Richard, Dr Nar continued: “What you’re having is real. It’s related to abnormal electric activity created by a small mass.”
Further tests determined Richard had a Grade 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumour that spreads fast.
Understandably, Mary was “absolutely devastated” at the diagnosis.
“There’s no point saying it’s going to be alright,” she said.
“All you can do is say that you’re going to be here, whatever happens.”
A shocked Richard added: “In my early days, I took the view that I’d live into my 70s and 80s.
“To suddenly say, ‘Richard, that may not even be an option for you’… That’s a real shock.
“It’s something I’m still coming to terms with.”
Earlier in the episode, Richard described how he struggled to speak as his body shook uncontrollably in the night.
“I just opened my mouth and I couldn’t really get my words out,” he explained.
“I just couldn’t… I couldn’t come out with any.”
And later in the show, as he was preparing to undergo his CT, Richard had another frightening seizure.
Unable to reply to a nurse’s questions, it was many moments before Richard was able to speak again and tell the doctor he was okay.
Dr Nar’s poignant reflection to “savour life” also resonated with viewers.
switched on 24 hrs in A&E and Dr. Vijay just summed up what I’ve learnt in the past 3 years “seeing life and death every single day in medicine, teaches you to appreciate everything in your own life. Savour every relationship, make that little bit extra effort, go see the world.”
— Emma Smith (@Emmma__s) February 27, 2018
And despite containing some of the most emotional moments in the series for a while, viewers were still touched enough to remember to be grateful for the NHS.
24 hours in A&E broke my heart tonight. 😢
— Erin (@erincxa) February 27, 2018
First time I’ve ever watched 24 hours in A&E and I’m an absolute emotional wreck 😭 it does put into perspective what an amazing job our doctors and nurses do every day though and how bloody lucky we are to wake up healthy every day.
— Emma Crowder (@emmacrowder) February 27, 2018
It really is an eye opener watching 24 Hours in A&E, it makes you realise how precious time is. Lot of respect for people working on the NHS.
— James (@j_lane98) February 27, 2018
Don’t know why I watch 24 hours in A&E it absolutely breaks me😩😭😭
— ChloeP (@Chloe_Peters_) February 27, 2018
Viewers also tweeted their well wishes to Richard and his family.
24 Hours in A&E was one of the most emotional for some time. Hoping Richard’s treatment goes well.
— Tweed Lady🐝 (@lifeintweed) February 27, 2018
Oh I can’t cope watching episodes of 24 hours in A&E like that I always pray everyone is going to be ok …. that poor family, absolutely devastating, I can’t imagine 😢
— Nat 💕 (@Silcox777) February 27, 2018
My heart is hurting for Richard and family. Just sending love and positive thoughts x
24 Hours in A & E— Vanessa (@VanellyBelly) February 27, 2018
Mary, too, offered her thanks on Twitter and urged viewers to back Dame Tessa Jowell’s campaign for alternative cancer treatments, with the former Labour MP suffering from a similar kind of brain tumour.
#24hrsae Hi, watch 24 hours in A & E, 9 pm, on Channel 4, 27th Feb and see the wonderful staff look after my husband Richard! They are there when you need them and then some. Mary
— Mary Devlin Powell (@devlin_Powell) February 26, 2018
Richard’s CT scan shows a large mass, showing he has Grade 4 glioblastoma tumour. This is exactly the same type of tumour that Dame @TessaJowell is currently fighting. Due to the nature of where the large tumour is inside the brain it is inoperable #24HrsAE pic.twitter.com/LoN31dCK70
— Reece Jordan Doonan RN (@Lerounxi) February 27, 2018
Yes, and the very reason for all of us to get behind Dame@@TessaJowell and support her campaign. Thanks Reece! Mary
— Mary Devlin Powell (@devlin_Powell) February 28, 2018
Richard is now undergoing intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy and the tumour is currently stable.
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24 Hours in A&E is on Channel 4 on Tuesdays at 9pm.
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