Overview

• Russell noticed memory loss, migraines and brain fog in September 2022 and was diagnosed with a benign meningioma that had been growing for 15 years
• Surgeons at Derriford Hospital removed the lime-sized tumour in a seven-hour operation on March 6, 2023, reconstructing his skull with a plastic-concrete mix
• He overcame post-surgery complications through physical therapy and regained full health by early 2024
• Russell now serves as ambassador for Brain Tumour Research, patron of Joseph’s Smile and has lobbied Parliament for increased funding in tumour research
• His new film Protein debuted on June 13, 2025, around the same time University of Plymouth scientists identified a protein that could unlock new meningioma therapies