A 26-year-old man from Warrington who initially believed he was suffering from flu has tragically died after his symptoms were revealed to be a lethal brain tumour.
From Bonfire Night to a devastating diagnosis
Kieran Shingler, a fit and active HGV driver, first developed a headache, sore throat and runny nose on Bonfire Night in November 2022. He and his girlfriend, Abbie Henstock, also 26, assumed it was a case of flu or Covid-19.
After a negative Covid test, they dismissed his persistent lethargy and symptoms. However, in the following weeks, Kieran's condition deteriorated sharply. "He couldn't keep food down and was getting excruciating headaches," Abbie recalled.
A rapid and aggressive cancer
Concerned, his mother Lisa contacted a doctor on 21 November 2022. Kieran was sent to Warrington Hospital, where a CT scan detected a mass on his brain. He was immediately transferred to the Walton Centre in Liverpool.
On 29 December 2022, just an hour before scheduled surgery to fit a permanent shunt, his family received the devastating news. Kieran had a grade three astrocytoma, a rapidly growing cancerous brain tumour.
"We found out it was cancer - a fast-growing tumour," said Abbie. "It was all a blur."
A courageous three-year fight
Kieran began an intensive treatment plan at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool in January 2023. This involved 30 sessions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Initially, scans showed the tumour was shrinking, offering hope.
However, by July 2023, the treatment stopped being effective and the tumour began growing again. Despite this setback, Kieran continued to fight with what his family called "immense courage and determination."
Tragically, after a scan in June 2025 showed further growth, Kieran passed away in a hospice on 14 December 2025.
A family's tribute to a 'brave and inspiring' man
In a heartfelt statement, his family paid tribute to "the most bravest, most inspiring man." They described Kieran as a cheeky, laid-back individual who lit up rooms, loved food, shopping on Temu, and was a devoted Liverpool FC supporter.
"He lived with his brain tumour for just over 3 years," the family said. "He's in no more pain, cancer free and up there with his gorgeous mum. We don't know how we will carry on without him but we will as that's what he would have wanted."
Kieran had previously spoken of his fear and anger at the diagnosis, crediting his family and Abbie for their unwavering support, especially after the death of his mother, Lisa, in 2024.
His family vowed to continue his legacy through 'Kieran's Krew', honouring the memory of a man taken far too soon.
