Alex suddenly passed out during a weekend away and had a seizure at home when paramedics were called.
Alex said: “When I woke up to find paramedics in my bedroom and my wife, Emma, looking terrified nearby, I knew something was seriously off. They told me I had a seizure and rushed me to Bolton Hospital for a CT scan.
“Although the doctors didn’t notice anything unusual, I used my private medical insurance through work to request an MRI at a private hospital to rule out the worst things.
“This scan detected something, but the medical staff believed it was a remnant from my childhood and I was put on a waiting list for a more detailed MRI. I was prescribed epilepsy medication and sent on my way.”
But the condition was not epilepsy – but a life-threatening brain tumour.
Whilst waiting weeks for the follow up scan, Alex’s condition continued to worsen.
By August 2023, he was experiencing more frequent and severe headaches, seizure symptoms, and struggling to function, with several GP visits querying this and if the epilepsy medication could be causing such severe side effects.
One morning, after a visit to the dentist, Alex had another seizure so paramedics were called to his home again.
He was rushed to Royal Bolton Hospital, where another CT scan revealed a shadow on his brain.
“It was at this point that we finally got some answers,” Alex said.
“The doctors informed me that the CT scan had shown something concerning, which was confirmed with an MRI with contrast.
“It was a relief, in a way, because at least now we knew something was wrong, but it was also terrifying to hear that it could be something much more serious.
“I was referred to Salford Royal Hospital, which specialises in this disease, and told surgery was my best option.
“Thankfully, the surgery was a great success, but when they biopsied the mass, they discovered it was a glioblastoma, a cancerous tumour with a 12 – 18 month prognosis. Before my diagnosis, I didn’t realise brain tumours could be cancerous. Suddenly, we were facing a whole new and deadly challenge.”
In November 2023, Alex began a six-week course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy at The Christie Hospital in Manchester, one of the leading cancer treatment centres in the UK.
He completed his first round before Christmas, allowing him to spend time with his family in peace, before completing a second round by June 2024.
The following scan came back clear, allowing Alex to enjoy the summer abroad in relief. However, this was short-lived as a scan in October 2024 confirmed the cancer had returned.
Emma and Alex (Image: Alex Davies) Alex said: “It was a tough blow but I wasn’t giving up. I was offered the chance to join a clinical trial at Birmingham University, which combines chemotherapy with a cannabis-based drug, Sativex.
“It’s a trial I’m still in with monitoring and treatment managed by The Christie, and while we won’t know the results until it’s finished, I’m hopeful it will help me and others in the future.”
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(Image: Alex Davies) Throughout his journey, Alex has remained dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Brain Tumour Research.
The charity, now marking its 15th anniversary during Brain Tumour Awareness Month, has organised a month-long programme of events to highlight the devastating impact of a disease that kills more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer. Alex has been a key figure in its dazzling initiative, Light up the UK.
To support Alex’s fundraising efforts, visit:
https://justgiving.com/page/alex-davies-1709736949591
Alex adds: “After my diagnosis, I started researching and discovered this fantastic organisation, dedicated to finding a cure.
“I’ve done fundraising to support them, including arranging for Bolton and Chorley Town Halls to be lit up in their colours for Brain Tumour Awareness Month.
“I’ve also confirmed that three railway stations, King’s Cross, Leeds, and Liverpool Lime Street, will follow suit at the end of March, and the chief executives have been very supportive. Additionally, I’ve reached out to my local MP to advocate for the Rare Cancers Bill currently going through Parliament.”
(Image: Alex Davies)
“In total, my friends, family, and I have raised over £6,000 for the brain tumour community. It’s just a drop in the ocean compared to what’s needed to fight this disease, but I hope it will help the incredible researchers working towards a cure. I also wanted to share my story to raise awareness, in the hope that fewer people will have to go through this journey.”
Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for Alex’s support.
“His fundraising efforts will directly contribute to critical research into brain tumours, which kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer. Despite this, only one per cent of the national cancer research budget goes to brain tumours. Alex’s dedication to raising awareness and funding will help drive change and support vital research.”
