Andi Peel experienced headaches which were initially dismissed as migraines and stress
Andi, with his mum, Linda.(Image: Brain Tumour Research)
A Leicestershire mum has shared the story of her ‘amazing’ son who died at the age of 30 from an incurable brain tumour.
Andi Peel, from Groby, was fit and healthy when he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour in January 2020. His mum, Linda, said he was “always at the gym” and played basketball for several teams.
He had experienced months of worsening headaches which were initially dismissed as migraines and stress. An MRI scan later revealed that he had incurable brain cancer.
Linda, 59, said: “Andi was the funniest, most placid, amazing boy. He was really fit and was always at the gym.
“He played basketball for several teams, and he had a good job as a manager at Carphone Warehouse. He loved cars and music, and he had a lovely house. He had everything going for him.”
Andi underwent surgery at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham before beginning radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The type of tumour he was diagnosed with has a prognosis of 12 to 18 months, and almost always recurs after surgery.
Andi in a hospital bed.(Image: Brain Tumour Research)
He endured aggressive treatment, however Andi’s tumour continued to grow. He experienced severe side effects, and, over time, lost his sight completely.
Andi died peacefully at home on Monday, January 11, 2023, with mum, Linda, by his side. Linda has said that after watching her son fight the disease for almost three years, finding a cure is “so important”.
She said: “After watching my wonderful son fight a battle he could never win for nearly three years, finding a cure to this devastating disease is so important to me.”
Linda has so far raised more than £53,200 along with the group, Andi’s Army, who continue to raise funds to support Brain Tumour Research – an organisation dedicated to finding a cure for brain cancer.
The group has so far raised money through challenges and events, including marathons and charity basketball games, in the hope of finding a cure. Linda is also supporting a £2.6million investment from the organisation to launch a new Centre of Excellence at the University of Nottingham, focused on tackling glioblastoma.
At the centre, scientists will use AI, advanced MRI imaging, and genomic techniques to better understand glioblastoma recurrence and strive for progress towards improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Andi Peel on holiday.(Image: Brain Tumour Research)
Linda said: “It is wonderful news to hear that the Nottingham Centre of Excellence will be focusing on research into glioblastoma. A dedicated hub like this will hopefully offer help and hope to other patients and families facing this awful disease.
“Knowing that scientists are solely focusing on treatment and, ultimately, a cure for glioblastoma really matters, particularly when improving outcomes and treatment options is so important.
“The limited treatment available at the moment was very tough on Andi, and any research that can give patients hope can only help. I cannot stress enough how important it is to fund research into glioblastoma.”
Dan Knowles, chief executive officer of Brain Tumour Research, added: “Linda’s determination to honour Andi’s memory by supporting vital research is deeply moving and we are forever grateful to her and the supporters of Andi’s Army in joining our cause.
“We are on the cusp of change – and this new Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence will play a pivotal role in delivering cutting-edge research to bring about the cure that is so desperately needed.
“Together, we have the chance to achieve our vision. Together we will find a cure.”