Cork Man Chronicles 12-Year Battle with Brain Tumour in Memoir

A brain tumour survivor from Cork, Ireland, has shared his extraordinary journey of recovery in a new memoir. Dermot O’Leary, 52, spent twelve years seeking a correct diagnosis after experiencing alarming symptoms that he initially dismissed as stress. His memoir, titled The World Behind the Door, is set to be released in January 2026.

Dermot’s health issues began when he was in his final year at Ashton Secondary School in Blackrock, just before the important Leaving Certificate exams. He noticed subtle jerks and involuntary movements, attributing them to the pressure of his upcoming tests. However, a significant episode occurred during the Easter break when he collapsed on a boat en route to visit his sister in London.

“I started to feel nauseous, rushed to the bathroom, and collapsed,” Dermot recounted. “When I woke up, I was staring at the ceiling. It took a moment for my brain to ‘recalculate’ everything.” Although he mentioned this incident to his sister, he thought it was a minor issue. Unfortunately, the symptoms persisted, culminating in another collapse the night before his exams, which led to a visit to the regional hospital.

Initially, doctors attributed his symptoms to stress but began to consider other possibilities, including epilepsy, when symptoms continued after his exams. Dermot was placed on various medications, but his condition deteriorated over the years. By 2002, he was unable to speak and faced the grim reality that without intervention, he would end up in a vegetative state.

Driven by a newfound determination, Dermot sought treatment abroad with the help of family. He connected with a rehabilitation centre in Cheshire, England, where doctors identified a brain tumour. Following this diagnosis, surgery to remove the tumour was scheduled, and in October 2003, he underwent a successful procedure that marked the beginning of his recovery journey.

“I felt very different when I woke up from the surgery,” he said. “It was like I was 15 years old again.” However, complications arose when he developed an MRSA infection after the operation. In December, he suffered a severe seizure that led to a collapse at home. His roommate intervened, preventing a tragic outcome. Dermot was rushed to the hospital and placed in an induced coma, spending ten days in the intensive care unit.

Recovery was a long and arduous process. Dermot faced physical challenges and emotional struggles, yet by 2016, he finally began to feel whole again. He sought to reclaim his life, embarking on adventures, including a memorable trip to Vietnam. During this time, he met Joan, the woman he would later marry.

Reflecting on his journey, Dermot emphasized the importance of resilience. “For me, it’s a journey about acceptance and finding the willpower to carry on,” he explained. His memoir serves as both a personal reflection and an inspiration for others facing similar hardships.

Dermot’s writing was initially an exercise to help him process his experiences. “I kept a diary since 1994, and writing everything down was my way of trying to understand things better,” he said. He hopes that his story can provide hope to others battling health challenges.

Drawing inspiration from Susannah Cahalan’s autobiography, Brain on Fire, Dermot encourages those in similar situations to believe in their recovery. “It’s hard to give advice, but I would tell them to keep going and never give up. You have to really want it for yourself,” he said.

As Dermot embarks on this new chapter, he reflects on his past with gratitude and optimism for the future, ready to share his story with the world.