Dad who died from aggressive brain tumor suffered little-known symptoms before diagnosis
A dad who died from an aggressive brain tumour had been suffering from a bizarre symptom before he was diagnosed.
Barry Fair, 44, was diagnosed with a grade 3 astrocytoma in 2022, after suffering from symptoms that were initially brushed off as 'stress'.
However, when Barry experienced a seizure at home, he was rushed to hospital where he was diagnosed.
The dad, from Scotland in the UK, had visited his GP when he began experiencing symptoms, which included smelling burning rubber, strange tastes and experiencing déjà vu, but was told it could be stress.
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According to The Brain Tumour Charity, variations in taste and smell can be in some cases, linked to brain tumours, depending on where the tumour is located.
Following his diagnosis, Barry was scheduled for urgent surgery, undergoing a craniotomy at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland, to remove the mass which was located in his frontal lobe.
Despite the operation running smoothly, the cancer had already spread to his corpus callosum – an area of the brain that couldn't be operated on.
Barry underwent years of treatment, but sadly passed away in April 2024, with his wife, Leanne by his side.
Leanne, a mobile emergency carer, said: "He faced years of chemo and radiotherapy and horrible side effects with such courage.
"He still made us laugh, still played his music, still had time for everyone else.
"We went on family trips, to concerts, and even just little walks with our dog, Spud – every moment suddenly meant so much.
"Even when he lost movement in his hand, he insisted on going out to play pool with friends.
"That was just who he was - brave, loyal, and always thinking of others.
"Watching him fade over those last few months broke me, but I also felt lucky to be there beside him, giving him the love and care he so deserved."
After Barry's diagnosis, he was initially told he could have up to 10 years to live, but sadly, the tumour was resistant to treatment and Barry's health declined in 2024.
After suffering from a tonic clonic seizure - also known as a grand mal seizure - Barry returned home from hospital under Leanne's full-time care.
Doctors predicted he had just 48 hours left, but Barry once again defied expectations and spent another seven weeks at home, surrounded by his family.
Leanne has recently completed the Glasgow Kiltwalk to raise money and awareness for Brain Tumour Research.
"When I saw the date for the Kiltwalk, I signed up straight away. It gave me a reason to keep going," she said.
"Getting outside, training, and having a goal is helping me get through this grief. But more than anything, I did it for Barry.
"I want to continue raising money so one day, people with this cruel disease will have real hope. Barry deserved better, and so does every other person going through this. I’ll carry him with me every step of the way."
You can visit Leanne's fundraiser here.
Lucy Devine