Tenor Russell relives brain tumour horror
CHART-TOPPING tenor Russell Watson has relived his brush with death in an emotional reunion with the brain surgeon who saved his life.
The meeting will be shown on today’s Songs Of Praise, with the 52-year-old star recalling how he almost died as he lay inside the MRI scanner being used to detect his tumour.
He said his experience has made his faith stronger and his surgeon James Leggate, also a Christian, told how he prays for patients before he operates.
During the meeting Russell reflected on his 2006 ordeal.
The star initially thought he was suffering with migraines but lapsed into unconsciousness one night. He was rushed to hospital for a brain scan and surgery.
Russell told Mr Leggate: “You saved my life, I cannot put into words how grateful I am to you and the man upstairs.”
He also tells how he saw a door and a light as he lay in his unconscious state.
“When I was going to that hospital I felt I was being taken somewhere else. I remember people saying they need to get a surgeon now.
“I remember darkness and this feeling of there being a room and in the corner there was a door and there was a slither of light shining through
– it was very, very bright.
“If I go to that door I leave this plain and go to another one... I started thinking that my kids need me.”
Russell, who has two daughters, Rebecca, 24, and Hannah, 18, from his first marriage, added: “Initially, I started thinking I needed to get back, and then the clack, clack, clack of the MRI scanner came back.”
Neurosurgeon Mr Leggate said: “Those feelings are unique, thank heavens you did not go through that door.”
Russell has since been moved to sing songs with a greater religious meaning, while his family – speaking to host Aled Jones – revealed he is enjoying life more than ever.
Russell, who wed wife Louise in 2015, has just finished a UK tour with singer Aled.
● Songs Of Praise, BBC
One, today, at 1.15pm.