Dad's brain tumour symptoms were 'dismissed as stress' before devastating diagnosis

Stephen Blakeston was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour
-Credit:Brain Tumour Research/SWNS


Symptoms of a dad's cancerous brain tumour were 'dismissed as stress-related' by a GP.

Stephen Blakeston, who was 53 at the time of his death, started showing worrying signs in October 2010, such as garbled speech, severe headaches, and distress, which were entirely out of character for him.

However, a CT scan revealed a glioblastoma - an aggressive brain tumour that typically leaves patients with a life expectancy of 12-18 months.

Stephen, a former council grounds worker, died suddenly on July 13, 2011.

His daughter Hollie Rhodes, 37, a PE teacher and mother-of-two from Hull, is set to take part in the London Marathon in his memory to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research.

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She recalled: "In October 2010, Mum called me saying he was jumbling up his sentences and not making any sense. He also had a massive headache and was really distressed, which wasn't like him at all.

"I couldn't believe it when we visited the GP, who dismissed his symptoms as stress-related and even said he was faking, something I know my dad wouldn't do.

Stephen Blakeston with daughter, Hollie Rhodes
Stephen Blakeston with daughter, Hollie Rhodes -Credit:Brain Tumour Research/SWNS

"It was a CT scan at Hull Royal Infirmary that showed he wasn't faking anything. The scan found a tumour growing on the left side of his brain, affecting his speech.

"He had surgery the next week, which was successful, but the biopsy confirmed our worst fear – it was incurable and cancerous."

Stephen, who leaves behind his wife Elaine, daughters Hollie and Lauren, and five grandchildren, bravely faced one round of intensive radiotherapy and two rounds of chemotherapy to stop the growth of the tumour.

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Despite feeling fatigued, Stephen remained upbeat, and scans indicated no further tumour regrowth.

Tragically, he passed away at home after a blood clot travelled to his heart.

"Dad walked to my sister's room and barely got through the door when he collapsed," Hollie said.

"We called an ambulance but unfortunately paramedics couldn't save him, and they told us after about 20 minutes of fighting that he didn't make it, and he died on her bedroom floor. It was so traumatic and unexpected.

"Although his brain scans were clear, a blood clot was found on his heart, which we're not sure if it formed because of his treatment or the tumour.

"It was horrible for us to lose him so suddenly, but there is some comfort in knowing it was quick and likely the way he would have wanted to go. I'll always miss hearing his laugh."

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Brain tumours can strike anyone, regardless of age, and are responsible for more deaths in men under 70 than prostate cancer.

Each year, around 12,000 individuals in the UK are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour.

Hollie Rhodes is taking on the London Marathon
Hollie Rhodes is taking on the London Marathon -Credit:Brain Tumour Research/SWNS

Hollie said: "I have personally known three people impacted by brain tumours: my dad, my oldest friend's little boy, Roux, and another friend's sister who died after her brain cancer metastasised from breast cancer."

She went on to highlight the inadequacy of current funding saying it "is just not enough".

Hollie added: "It's the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, so it should absolutely be a priority to stop these deaths. It almost feels like people view brain tumours as a final prognosis. That whole narrative needs to change because more funding in research would bring hope to those impacted."

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Juggling her job, family duties, and an intense training regime, Hollie is gearing up for the renowned 26.2-mile marathon in April.

Fuelled by the memory of her late father, she's committed to finishing the gruelling race to raise much-needed awareness for Brain Tumour Research.

She said: "Running is definitely not my forte; my colleagues with tell you that and say I'm forced to do it in my work role."

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On a poignant note, she reflected: "On the day, I'll be thinking of my dad and how he never got to meet his grandchildren, who he would have adored, with Blake, my eldest, named after him."

Hollie added: "Remembering his struggles and how a cure could have kept him with us gives me the strength to keep going. Four or five hours of running is nothing compared to what dad and so many others endure. I'll remind myself to push through and do this for them.

"Dad was such a hilarious character with a wicked sense of humour. He was always supportive of my sister, Lauren, and me in everything we did."

Carol Robertson, national events manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "We're so grateful to Hollie for taking on this incredible challenge in memory of her dad. Her determination and courage are truly inspiring. Every step she takes in the marathon will help us raise awareness and much-needed funds for vital research into brain tumours. We'll be cheering her on in April."

To donate to Hollie's effort in the London Marathon, you can visit her fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/runhollierun