A man's 'unquenchable thirst' proved to be a sinister sign of an aggressive brain tumour after he collapsed while on holiday in Greece. Gavin White, 46, was enjoying a family break in July 2023 when he suffered a seizure on a beach. He had been experiencing headaches, bouts of confusion, vision changes, and an unquenchable thirst during the night.
Diagnosis and Treatment
After flying back to the UK for scans at Bedford Hospital, doctors discovered he had a glioblastoma, an aggressive and fast-developing brain tumour. He was told he had between six to 14 months to live. Gavin was then transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge for an awake craniotomy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Currently, his tumour is stable.
Fundraising Achievements
Nearly three years on, Gavin has raised over £100,000 for Brain Tumour Research alongside his work colleagues. He will participate in the TCS London Marathon this weekend to boost funds further. Gavin, founder of Autotech Group from Ampthill, Bedfordshire, said: 'Everything happened so quickly. I was told I had a brain tumour and that I would only have between six and 14 months to live. It was pretty blunt, but I never give up and do what I can to stay positive and raise money for research.'
Living Scan to Scan
Gavin lives his life in three-month segments from scan to scan, knowing the tumour could return. He stays optimistic and prepared for the Milton Keynes Marathon in 2025, which supported him throughout his treatment. He added: 'I pretty much live my life in three-month segments from scan to scan because I always know there's a strong chance this will come back at some point and it could kill me. I just take every day as it comes and try to be as positive as I can.'
Call for More Funding
Gavin emphasised the need for more research funding: 'When I was diagnosed, everything I heard about brain tumours was doom and gloom but now things are moving at pace. Researchers are really trying to find a way around this, but ultimately it's all about money. The more money and time you can throw at something, the more likely you are to find a solution to the problem. Other cancers have benefitted from increased funding so now it's time brain tumours received more.'
Support from Brain Tumour Research
Carol Robertson, national events manager at Brain Tumour Research, commented: 'Gavin's determination to take on the London Marathon is truly inspiring. Brain tumours are indiscriminate and devastating, and stories like Gavin's highlight why greater investment in research is so urgently needed. We are incredibly grateful to Gavin for turning his experience into action and helping us raise vital funds and awareness as we work towards finding a cure.'
To support Gavin's fundraising campaign, visit: justgiving.com/page/brains4brains-lm26
