Ella Morton, 19, from Bedfordshire, is campaigning for increased brain tumour research funding after her brother Tyler, 21, died from a glioblastoma in March 2026, just four weeks after seeking help for what was thought to be an ear infection.
Brother's rapid decline
Tyler, an artist, initially developed an earache causing numbness on the left side of his face in January. After losing his balance and struggling to walk, he was diagnosed with an ear infection at hospital. Antibiotics failed, and he soon began vomiting and lost use of the left side of his body. A CT scan initially showed nothing, and he was told he had vertigo. Ella took him back to hospital where he had two seizures, was physically disabled, and could barely talk. Five days later, a CT scan revealed a brain lesion. A follow-up scan at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and a biopsy confirmed a grade 4 glioblastoma. Tyler was discharged to die at home.
Fundraising and awareness
Ella completed the 200k in May Your Way challenge, raising over £1,300 for Brain Tumour Research. She said: "Tyler was an amazing older brother. He was funny and kind – the sort of brother I went to for anything. We both lived with our nan and we were inseparable." She added: "I was distraught nothing could be done for him. I knew you could get cancer everywhere in the body, but I didn't realise how badly it affects you if it’s in the brain. There are very limited treatment options compared to other cancers."
Statistics and campaign
Brain tumours are the leading cancer killer for children and adults under 40. Historically, only 1% of national cancer research spending has gone to brain tumours since 2002. Around 3,200 people in the UK are diagnosed annually, with treatments unchanged for over 20 years. Only one third survive beyond a year, and just 4% live for five years or more. Dr Karen Noble at Brain Tumour Research said: "Tyler’s story reflects the devastating reality faced by so many families across the UK." The charity is campaigning to increase national investment to £35m per year and build seven research hubs.
Ella's plea
Ella, a mechanic, shared her story during Glioblastoma Awareness Week (July 13-19). She said: "I was so angry and upset that we hadn't found out he had a brain tumour sooner. I definitely think a lot more could have been done for him. We were told Tyler couldn’t have any treatment because his body wouldn’t have been able to handle it. Everything happened so quickly and he deteriorated so fast. If they had found it sooner, he probably would have had the chance to have chemotherapy. At least that would have felt like we tried. More government funding for research is vital if we are to find a cure for brain tumours. What happened to Tyler was such a traumatising experience and I don't want anyone else to go through that."
