Mum opens up on 'indescribable' pain after son, 6, died of brain tumour

Taylan's parents Laura and Toygun hope to raise awareness
-Credit: (Image: Brain Tumour Research)


A Leicestershire mum says life has become "indescribable" after losing her six-year-old son to an aggressive brain tumour. Laura Kurtul, from Broughton Astley, is struggling to come to terms with the death of her son Taylan, who died on Friday, February 9.

Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40. Each year, about 420 children in the UK are diagnosed with this condition, and the survival rate is heartbreakingly low. Mum Laura described the pain of losing Tay as overwhelming, saying it seems to worsen with each passing day. She worries that memories of her son might fade as others move on with their lives.

Taylan, known as Tay to his family and friends, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of brain tumour, in May 2023. He fought the disease for eight months, undergoing treatment at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre, including surgery, proton beam therapy, and chemotherapy.

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The Kurtuls decided to end Taylan's treatment after Christmas. Now, Laura is focusing on keeping Tay's memory alive, finding comfort in nature and spending time with his friends.

"Our only child and the light of our lives – the pain of having to carry on life without Tay is indescribable and there is no fixing it," Laura said. "It feels like the pain gets worse every day, that the grief gets stronger. I am in utter disbelief, unable to process it, let alone come to accept that I've lost Tay."

Taylan Kurtul before his brain tumour diagnosis
Taylan was five when he received the shocking diagnosis -Credit:Supplied

To honour Tay's memory, the family has set up Tay's Tribe, a fundraising group for Brain Tumour Research. They are planning a Walk of Hope at Fosse Meadows Country Park near Sharnford on Saturday, September 28.

Ashley McWilliams, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: "Brain tumours are indiscriminate and can affect anyone at any age. We are really grateful to Tay's family and all who support Tay's Tribe for their help to find a cure for this devastating disease. The Walk of Hope is a great way for us all, whether we have personal experiences of brain cancer or not, to join together in the face of this terrible adversity and say we will not be beaten."

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