'Healthy' dad diagnosed with brain tumour after neighbour spots worrying sign

A "fit and healthy" dad has been diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour after a neighbour spotted tell-tale symptoms.

Glenn Pearce, 53, was suffering memory loss, confusion and impaired vision - signs that were initially subtle but quickly escalated. The alarm was raised by the dad-of-three's close friend, who lived near by, Dr Josh Robinson, and he urged Glenn to contact his GP. He was referred for a CT scan at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he was diagnosed with glioblastoma - a large and cancerous brain tumour - in January.

Up until his diagnosis, Glenn, from Colinton in Edinburgh, had been an active father and would regularly take part in marathons. "It is heartbreaking to see someone so full of life, physically fit, a marathon runner, and the kindest, most generous person you could meet, go through this," said Josh.

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"Glenn has always had a huge personality and is incredibly popular. He welcomed our family to the neighbourhood and quickly became one of our closest friends.”

In February, Glenn underwent surgery to debulk around 70 percent of the tumour, but complications followed, Daily Record reports. He sadly suffered a stroke that left him paralysed on his left side, with severely impaired vision and mobility. Two further operations were required to relieve a build-up of fluid on his brain.

After completing radiotherapy at the Western General Hospital, Glenn returned home, where his living space has been adapted for wheelchair use. He now receives daily support from carers, along with help from family and friends.

In response to Glenn’s diagnosis and his dramatic decline in health, Josh, alongside Glenn’s wife Nichola and close friends Alan Smith and Mark Smyth, organised a fundraising walk in support of Brain Tumour Research - a national charity focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours.

The idea for the Seven Hills Challenge came during a conversation together after a local park run and quickly gained momentum. Over 140 friends, neighbours and supporters braved the heavy rain on June 14 to walk the 25km route across Edinburgh’s iconic peaks.

The event concluded at Craiglockhart Hill, followed by a community gathering at Boroughmuir Rugby Club. A total of £39,000 was raised for the cause.

Nichola said: “Our family are incredibly grateful for the support we have received since Glenn’s diagnosis. Saturday was an incredibly emotional and inspiring day with the most fantastic community spirit and connection evident.

"Alan, Mark and Josh worked so hard to organise this Seven Hills Challenge and, along with a huge effort from our families, it was an unforgettable day – despite the downpours! It brought out the best of everyone and was so uplifting, with a feeling of togetherness and love to support Glenn and our children.

"We’re truly delighted to have raised over £39,000 (including gift aid) so far for Brain Tumour Research.” Funds raised from the walk will directly support 15 days of research at the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a groundbreaking collaboration between Brain Tumour Research and Beatson Cancer Charity.

Josh said: “As a GP, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating brain tumour diagnoses can be, especially in younger patients. The treatment options are limited, and the outcomes are often poor. Glenn’s diagnosis really brought that home. It’s made me realise just how urgent the need is for more research and why supporting Brain Tumour Research is so vital. We need better treatments and real hope for the future.”

Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Glenn’s story is a powerful reminder of how indiscriminate and devastating brain tumours can be.

"The incredible response from his friends, family and wider community shows just how loved and respected he is. Fundraising events like the Seven Hills Challenge not only honour those affected but also help fund the vital research needed to improve outcomes. We are so grateful for their support, which will make a real difference in our aim to find a cure.”