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Despite facing a terminal diagnosis, Josh remains determined to hold onto his sense of humor and create lasting memories with his loved ones. Alongside these personal goals, he is committed to raising awareness and increasing funding for brain tumour research. His journey began with subtle symptoms in January, which he initially dismissed as fatigue. However, by February he experienced persistent headaches lasting ten days and episodes of zoning out that he later learned were mini seizures, a frightening realization in hindsight.
The turning point came on 9 February when Josh’s wife, Kelly, persuaded him to visit a GP for the first time in over a decade. Josh admitted he had avoided medical appointments due to societal pressures to “man up” and carry on despite the pain, resorting instead to paracetamol and rest. He expressed deep gratitude toward Kelly for her insistence, acknowledging that without her intervention, his condition might have worsened unnoticed. Although the GP’s initial assessment found no cause for concern and only resulted in painkillers and a referral to an optician, both Josh and Kelly felt dismissed despite observing clear warning signs.
Josh’s condition worsened, and on 13 February, Kelly’s concern again led to a visit to the emergency department at Wrexham Maelor Hospital after Josh suffered severe eye pain described as “someone pushing the back of my eyeballs outwards.” The pain was so intense it was unlike anything he had previously experienced. Initial treatment with morphine did not alleviate the symptoms, prompting a CT scan that revealed a large 4.5cm brain tumour. The diagnosis of glioblastoma—a notoriously aggressive brain tumour with a survival outlook of 12 to 18 months—was confirmed at The Walton Centre in Liverpool, where Josh underwent surgery to remove most of the tumour. Kelly described the diagnosis as terrifying, emphasizing how unexpected the reality was despite the growing concerns.
Throughout this ordeal, Josh has praised the dedication and compassion of NHS staff and highlighted how the experience has made him more aware of the widespread impact of brain tumours, a topic he previously knew little about. He noted that the disease “doesn’t discriminate,” touching even children, which motivated him to share his story publicly. Both Josh and Kelly now support a campaign urging the Welsh government to boost investment in brain tumour research. Kelly expressed frustration that while new treatments offer hope, they are not always accessible in the UK. The Welsh government responded by announcing plans for a comprehensive Cancer Plan for Wales, expected in 2027, focusing on research, innovation, and improved access to clinical trials, alongside a Wales Cancer Conference that aims to enhance cancer care through expert collaboration
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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