In April 2024, my stepson George was diagnosed with a brain tumour. At just 24 years old, he had been experiencing symptoms for some time—stress, migraines—before finally being referred for a precautionary MRI scan. The results were devastating: a tumour the size of a small orange was growing inside his brain.
Later that month, George underwent major surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible. Within days, he was home, recovering, and waiting for results from further testing. We knew that the surgeons hadn’t been able to remove it all, but we held onto hope.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
The day we met the consultants for the results was one we will never forget. Walking into the room and seeing multiple professionals sitting there, we knew what was coming. It wasn’t good news—it was the worst possible news.
George had been diagnosed with grade 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumour with no cure. The tumour would grow back, and the doctors estimated that he had around 18 months to live.
How does a 24-year-old process that? How does a family begin to accept it? The truth is—we didn’t. We couldn’t. But somehow, we learned to take it one day at a time.
Facing Treatment with Strength
George tackled six weeks of radiotherapy, Monday to Friday, alongside chemotherapy. There were tough days, but he kept going. We were so proud of him. He experienced minimal side effects, bringing us comfort that at least he wasn’t suffering.
But then the treatment ended, and we waited. In December, we got the news we had dreaded—the treatment hadn’t worked, and the tumour was growing back.
We had known this was coming, but nothing could prepare us for how soon it happened.
Searching for More Time
With limited options, the consultants found a trial drug—an autoimmune therapy—that gave us hope. It wasn’t typically used for brain tumours, but if approved, it could help slow the tumour’s growth.
However, there was a catch. George needed to reduce his steroid medication, which controlled swelling in his brain, in order for the treatment to be most effective. But every time he reduced steroids, he became seriously ill and ended up in hospital.
He managed to get to a safe level for treatment, and the first session via IV drip went well. But within a week, George was back in hospital. We couldn’t keep wasting precious time there.
Recently, George’s consultant suggested an alternative treatment to replace the steroids. This medication isn’t available through the NHS, but they have agreed to sponsor it for three months. Now, we wait again—this time, for the appointments to begin.
Finding Strength in Community
This journey has been overwhelming, but it’s not just about the medical challenges. It’s about adapting to a new reality, endless trips to Southampton for treatment, and researching every possible option.
But through it all, we have had so many incredible moments.
George’s sister, Jess, launched the Hatt’s Off to George campaign, raising funds for The Brain Tumour Charity and George’s bucket list. The Winchester community came together, raising over £20,000. And we’re not stopping.
- Jess and George were invited to turn on the Winchester Christmas lights, recognising their efforts in raising awareness and funds.
- Fundraisers included a fun day, football matches, and black-tie events, all to support brain tumour research.
- We featured on local news and newspapers, sharing George’s journey—though we wish we didn’t have to. We just want our normal life back.
Making Every Moment Count
George is now 25. He can no longer do the big things, but he still finds joy in the small moments—meeting friends at the pub, going out for dinner, gaming, and spending time with family. He is larger than life, but his energy doesn’t last as long as it used to.
I treasure every second with George. He is an inspiration, always fighting, always making others smile.
We wouldn’t have had this time with him if he hadn’t pushed for more tests. If he hadn’t gone back to the doctor, we never would have known—and those precious memories would have been stolen from us.
Walking for Change
We are taking part in The Brain Tumour Charity’s national fundraiser, The Twilight Walk, as part of the Winchester Walk for Change. More funding is urgently needed to support research, so that families like ours don’t have to face this devastating journey.
If you’d like to sponsor Rachel, visit the Hatt’s Off to George JustGiving page:
Donate here – please mention Sponsoring Rachel in the comments.
To stay updated, follow the Hatt’s Off to George Facebook page.
Together, we walk for hope, research, and change.
