Man diagnosed with brain tumour after seizure working out at the gym

A young man has been diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour after having a sudden seizure while working out at the gym.

Isaac Wilton, 21, from Coalville, Leicestershire, appeared to be fit and healthy when he suddenly collapsed in April 2024 and was rushed to hospital.

An MRI and CT scan revealed a tumour and he underwent a surgery in May to remove the mass.

He was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma (GMB) - an aggressive cancer - and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Isaac is still on chemotherapy and is taking part in a 13-mile trek to raise funds for immunotherapy treatment - which is not available on the NHS.

Isaac said: 'The seizure at the gym came completely out of the blue. I felt totally normal, then suddenly, I'm lying in a hospital bed about to have MRI and CT scans.

WHAT IS A GLIOBLASTOMA?

Glioblastomas are the most common cancerous brain tumours in adults.

They are fast growing and likely to spread. 

Glioblastomas' cause is unknown but may be related to a sufferer's genes if mutations result in cells growing uncontrollably, forming a tumour.

Treatment is usually surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible, followed by a combination of radio- and chemotherapy (chemoradiation).

It can be difficult to remove all of the growth as glioblastomas have tendrils that extend to other regions of the brain. These are targeted via chemoradiation. 

Glioblastomas are often resistant to treatment as they are usually made up of different types of cells. Therefore, medication will kill off some cells and not others. 

The average survival time is between 12 and 18 months.

Source: The Brain Tumour Charity

'Next thing I know, I'm being told I have an aggressive brain tumour, which I never thought would happen to me at just 21-years-old.'

GBM has an average survival of just 12-18 months but Isaac is not letting it stop him.

Isaac and his family have already raised £162,000 for immunotherapy treatment which will use Isaac's own tumour to create a vaccine designed to train his immune system to fight back against the regrowing cancer.

He is taking on a 13-mile trek this Sunday from Leicester City's King Power Stadium to Coalville Clock Tower to continue to raise funds for his own life-saving treatment.

Isaac said: 'I picked the King Power because Leicester City Football Club means so much to me.

'I've grown up supporting them, and this way, I can connect something I love with my fight against this horrible disease.

'Finishing at Coalville Clock Tower is important too - I want to end this walk surrounded by the wonderful people and place that is home.'

Isaac aims to keep the momentum going, supporting his treatment and inspiring others, while raising awareness about the urgent need for more research in brain tumours and better treatments.

Isaac added: 'The treatments aren't cheap, but I know they give me the best shot.

'That's why I'm doing this walk. I might be in pain, I might be exhausted, and I might need a wheelchair, but I'm going to keep going because I'm fighting for my life.

'My message to others going through something similar is to surround yourself with amazing people who lift you up and stay strong, even when it's hard..'

Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: 'Isaac's courage in facing such an aggressive disease is truly inspiring.

'His fundraising not only helps him access life-saving treatment but also raises vital awareness about the urgent need for more brain tumour research, which currently receives just 1% of national cancer research funding. Increasing this is crucial to finding a cure.'

To support Isaac's fundraising campaign, visit: http://www.gofundme.com/f/help-desperate-21-year-old-isaac-get-immunotherapy