Brain Tumour Awareness Month: After losing my dad to a brain tumour, everything changed…Seeking diagnosis…

My dad’s illness began back in 2019, following two months of headaches, occasional twinges down his arm, and eventually, some minor seizures. Whilst we knew something was wrong – I don’t think our family could ever have been prepared for the devastating journey that we had to come.

Initially, the doctors had misdiagnosed him with a different illness. However, we were persistent in seeking answers, and eventually, the diagnosis of a brain tumour was made. At this point – my life as I knew it had shattered. And for the next 18 months, my life revolved around my dad.

Battling the illness…

When I wasn’t by his side, I found myself frantically scouring internet forums for stories from others who had suffered from this cruel disease. Desperate to find accounts that had a happy ending. These were, sadly, few and far between. In hindsight, as tragic as many of these stories were – I do feel that they helped prepare me for some of the challenges that lay ahead.

As my dad’s condition deteriorated, my mum, sisters and I pulled together and cared for him from home. I would go to work in the morning, rush home to spend my lunch break with him, and then visit him again during the evenings. However, as things got worse, we were lucky enough to receive a great deal of support from Pendleside Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support and a local care company.

Losing my dad…

Up until the very end, my father was a constant source of inspiration to me, just as he had been before his illness. Not once did we see him complain or express any bitterness about the cruel journey he was on. Instead, he remained resilient and unwavering right up to the end.

Eighteen months after my dad’s diagnosis, and after numerous unsuccessful and exhausting attempts at Radiotherapy, his treatment was stopped. He passed away in the comfort of our family home.

Life after losing him…

It’s now been over two years since my lovely dad passed away, and I still feel the void that he left behind every day. My dad, Ian, was not just a parent but my hero, mentor and an inspiration to me and the rest of our family.

In particular, my father was instrumental in helping me to establish my Creative & Marketing agency, Root Fifty-Two. He provided invaluable guidance and support when getting the business off the ground. After running his own successful print company, LBH Litho, for over twenty-five years, there weren’t many people more qualified to help me – and I’m forever grateful for his unwavering support. I only wish he were still around to see how much R52 has grown and what we have achieved.

Whilst I have always valued my family, my dad’s death has served as a poignant reminder that every moment counts. Life can be very cruel – and you just never know what’s around the corner. It’s so important to make the most of what we have.
My dad had worked hard his entire life, saving for a retirement that he, painfully, never got a chance to see. His illness caused him to lose all the plans he had made with my Mum, including travelling the world, going on cruises, and enjoying quality time together, and it breaks my heart every day.

Since losing my Dad, I have been determined to ensure I live my life in a meaningful way. Spending quality time with my loved ones, creating memories, finding joy in the small things, and building a business and a legacy that I’m proud of.

Supporting The Brain Tumour CharityThe Power of Print

Another new aspect of my life since losing my dad is supporting The Brain Tumour Charity in any way I can. Over the last two years, Root Fifty-Two have raised an incredible £8,500 for the charity. We’ve done this through a combination of fundraising events and activities, as well as our Power of Print initiative. As part of this initiative, we donate 7.5% of our earnings from print projects to the charity. This allows us to contribute to a great cause in a meaningful way.

BRIAN Ambassador

In addition to supporting The Brain Tumour Charity, I have taken on a more active role as an ambassador for the organisation. One of the ways I contribute is by providing assistance with the UX design and user experience of their BRIAN app. This app has been designed to help individuals cope with the diagnosis of a brain tumour, and I am proud to have played a part in its development.

The pain of losing my dad to a brain tumour has never gone away. It’s something that I carry with me every day, and it has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life. However, through my involvement with The Brain Tumour Charity and Root Fifty-Two’s fundraising efforts, I have been able to turn my grief into something positive.

By raising awareness for brain tumour research, I am helping to honour the memory of my dad in a lasting way. I know that he would be proud of the work that I am doing.  I also hope that it will make a real difference in the fight against this devastating disease.

Finding a community

Working with The Brain Tumour Charity has also allowed me to connect with others who have been affected by brain tumours. It is a community that nobody wants to be a part of, but it is a community that is full of love and support. Through my involvement, I have met some incredible people who inspire me every day.

It is this sense of community and shared purpose that has helped me to find some light in the darkness. I will always carry the pain of losing my dad. However, I am determined to channel that pain into making a positive impact in the world. I believe he would expect nothing less, and I am honoured to continue his legacy in this way.

Raising awareness – What are the statistics around brain tumours?

Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40
33 people a day are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour in the UK
Just 12% of adults live for five years after diagnosis
Brain tumours receive only 3% of the cancer research funds in the UK

What symptoms should you look out for?

Headaches
Changes in vision
Seizures
Nausea and dizziness
Tiredness and fatigue
Loss of taste and smell
Cognitive changes

Brain Tumour Awareness Month

For more information on how to support the fundraising efforts of The Brain Tumour Charity, please visit their website here. Alternatively, find more information on our ‘Power of Print’ initiative here.