“These tiny nutrient-starved horrors use scythelike appendages to claw their way into the brains of humans.
Once there, they bore cysts through the gray matter in much the same way that a garden-variety worm tunnels through an apple.”
What’s The Story?
Every time this story has been told to friends, on dates, at parties, to colleagues.. it gets the same responses... “What??”... “That’s gross!!”... “How is that even possible??” People can’t believe it happened and no-one has ever heard the word neurocysticercosis. Yet this little known disease is one of the biggest causes of epilepsy worldwide.
A carefree backpacking trip to India would result in twenty-something Lowri Denman finding a tapeworm in the toilet back home in Cardiff the discovery of 38 parasites living in her brain five years later. A ten year rollercoaster ride that at its peak would see her confined to a neuropsychiatric ward, an unrecognisable version of herself to family and friends.
Not only is this podcast setting out to unpack a fascinating story filled with unanswered questions, it’s an opportunity to spotlight a disease little is know about yet it affects millions of people.
A Few Words From Lowri
“It’s been a huge transformative journey to get to where I am today. Many people - including myself - thought it might not be possible, but here I am - stronger than ever and ready to share my story. I’m a little apprehensive about some of the conversations I need to have with family and friends as I know it may bring up hard memories. But I also know we’ll share some laughs along the way! And together I hope we can heal.
I’ve watched Nicola work passionately as a producer over the years and as a friend, she’s been a big part of my journey so telling this story together feels like the perfect fit. We want to raise awareness of this life changing disease and to discuss the risks we all take when we travel. When we’re young we can feel so invincible but life can throw you the most unexpected curveballs. The effect it had on my physical and mental health is something I really want to share. Especially my mental health journey as I’m aware it’s something so many of us wrestle with. There was a moment in time where it felt impossible to see a bright future, but I pushed through. Today I feel like myself again but there are still so many unanswered questions. I’m excited for the journey ahead. I have a new found gratitude for life, am grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and most of all, for the people around me.”
Who Are We?
NICOLA BROWN
HOST - PRODUCER - CO CREATOR Award winning Impact Producer and Campaign Strategist. Nicola’s storytelling skills help her to craft high impact content about challenging subject matters to drive real world change.
Winner: Lovie Award, ‘Our Frozen Planet’ (BBC)
Winner: Webby Award for ‘Blue Planet II campaign ‘Our Blue Planet’ (BBC)
Winner: Innovation at the BBC Brand Awards for ‘Blue Planet II campaign ‘Our Blue Planet’ (BBC)
LOWRI DENMAN
HOST - CO CREATOR Lowri has almost 16 years experience of working in production setting up a vast variety of shoots across high end documentaries, Film and TV drama.
Since being ill Lowri achieved a 1st degree honour in Interior Design and has returned to TV. She’s recently worked on an independent film project and documentary for Channel 4.
Lowri and Nicola met working as runners on the set of Doctor Who around 20 years ago - the David Tennant years if you’re wondering!
CHRIS HOWARD
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERChris has made everything from blue chip natural history programmes for BBC One, to hundreds of YouTube shorts; 3D films with Sir David Attenborough and has even presented on CBeebies in a gold lamé jacket! He spent 6 months volunteering for the RSPB and has produced countless live shows. Chris believes in trying to make a difference and impact with every project.