THE Isle of Wight violinist who played her violin while having a brain tumour removed has reached the final ten in the Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons 2020 Act Of Courage category.

Former management consultant and violinist Dagmar Turner, 53, was diagnosed with a tumour in 2013 after suffering a seizure during a symphony. She underwent treatment to keep it at bay but last year it grew and became more aggressive.

The tumour was located close to an area that controls the fine movement of her left hand so it was decided between her and the surgeons that she would play the violin during the operation to ensure that no damage was inadvertently damaged during the millimetre-precise procedure.

The surgery at King’s College Hospital, London, was a success and made headlines around the world.

Dagmar was allowed home three days after the procedure.

Now she is regularly monitored at St Mary’s Hospital.

Dagmar reached the selection stage out of about 50 nominations in the Act Of Courage category, chosen by the public from around the UK.

Four finalists will be selected in each category and the winner will be announced in October.

Falklands War hero Simon Weston chairs the judging panel.