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Bridesmaid's shock over rare eye tumour

Oct 24 2010 by Helen Rae, Sunday Sun

Jeri Merrilees at the wedding of her friend Sarah Millar

SMILING proudly as chief bridesmaid at her best pal’s wedding, Jeri Merrilees couldn’t be happier.

Just hours before this photo was taken, Jeri had complained of double vision and put it down to her excitement of the big day and didn’t think any more of it.

But just weeks after these wedding photographs were taken, on September 11 this year, the 23-year-old’s life was tragically turned upside down when she was diagnosed with a rare sinus tumour behind her left eye, which could leave her partially sighted.

Followed the wedding - of friends Sarah and Darren Millar - Jeri began to suffer severe headaches and went to see her GP who immediately referred her to hospital where a diagnosis was quickly made.

Jeri, who is training to become an air hostess, said: “The diagnosis has had a massive impact on my family and it was very upsetting to be told I had cancer.

“I’d prepared myself for the worst but it hit my mum and brother very hard.

“Everything has gone so quickly and I’m trying my best to remain as positive as I can.

“There is an eight percent chance my eyesight could still be damaged but the odds are good that it won’t be and I have to focus on that.

“I had such a fantastic time at Sarah and Darren’s wedding that I never for one minute could have imagined what was about to unfold.

“I’m just glad I was OK for the wedding and was able to be bridesmaid.”

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