‘It was the most afraid I’ve ever been’

When two growths were found on his brain, Andy Percey’s future became uncertain. But God brought the Baptist minister through, and the giant of fear was conquered 

It started as a series of headaches. In April 2021, just as the second lockdown was easing, Baptist minister Andy Percey, then 37, was experiencing some discomfort. “I just feel a bit weird,” he told his wife, Bex, as he retired to bed one afternoon. 

As he laid down and felt numbness on his left side, fear bubbled to the surface. Andy’s father and sister had both died young from strokes. He knew the warning signs. 

“If you’re worried, you should ring 111,” said Bex. A few minutes later, Andy’s worst fears were realised. After hearing his symptoms, the operator told him: “We’re sending an ambulance. It’ll be there in five minutes.”