Glow

Glioblastoma Awareness Week starts tomorrow.

My beloved Dad was diagnosed with this aggressive tumour on 17th February 2026 - after just a few days of minor symptoms (dehydration and slight short term memory loss). Shockingly 2 weeks later he was on life support. It’s been just over 15 weeks since he passed away and my family and I are still trying to navigate the shocking diagnosis, let alone the fact my darling Dad is no longer here.

In October, my eldest daughter Neve and I will run the Royal Parks Half Marathon in honour and memory of our hero Dad and Grandad.

There needs to be more research into this deadly disease. Treatment hasn’t changed in decades and on diagnosis, it’s always Grade 4 and palliative care only. For many, prognosis is 12-18 months, with just 5% of those diagnosed making it to 5 year survival. That NEEDS to change.

Thank you to all those who have sponsored so far - it means the world ❤️

https://www.justgiving.com/page/kelly-hollands-9?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

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They say life can change in a heartbeat and for our family, that reality came true on Tuesday.
My beautiful Dad has been diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumour and due to its aggressive nature, it’s already Stage 4 and classed as ‘Palliative Care’.

We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken.

For anyone who knows me, my Dad is someone I speak to or see every single day. The person I spend my Saturday mornings with at Parkrun.
He may be 76 years, but he is THE fittest and strongest person I know. Golf 3 times a week and gym a couple of times.

After having some confused moments for just 3 weeks, we were told he was ‘dehydrated’ just one week ago today, but that he’d be sent for blood test for possible thyroid issue on Wednesday.

On Tuesday lunchtime, I went round to see him and knew instantly that I was taking him to A&E. This wasn’t dehydration. He didn’t put up any fight. That’s unlike him. He’s VERY strong willed and really knows his body. Very healthy and in tune with it.
So alongside a very upset Mum (his soul mate for 60 years), we went off to A&E.

Blood tests, urine tests (we honestly thought they’d detect a UTI and after a night of antibiotics he’d be home), ECG and escalating within hours to chest X Ray, and then by 7pm, a CT scan, I was panicking inside.

We were taken to a cubicle around 10pm and when the Doctor struggled to close the flimsy blue wrap around curtain and dad said ‘oh don’t worry about that’ and her replying back with ‘no, I need some privacy for this’, I knew this wasn’t ’just dehydration or a UTI’.

A shadow found on the brain that’s indicative of a tumour, a malignant tumour. When people say ‘the room spins, the walls close in and everything sounds muffled and you don’t remember anything else other than ‘THOSE WORDS’, it’s so true’.

There are no words to describe how we are feeling. It’s pain like I’ve never known. Dad has been amazing - he has such strength and resilience and I know I get mine from him.

Things have escalated quickly since then in terms of more devastating news. Yesterday we were told it’s a very aggressive form and classed as ‘palliative care’ 💔😢

I stayed behind to speak to the doctor as had and still have so many questions. Dad has a Glioblastoma - just 3200 people in the UK are diagnosed with this form of brain tumour a year. How is my beautiful Dad one of them?

One of the most evil twists of fate in this too - one of my dad’s best golf buddies passed away with Glio just 4 months after having surgery and treatment from it. That’s all my dad has in terms of ‘knowing about it’. But Dad is a very positive person and has said ‘I’m going to do whatever I need to to get back out there as I have so much life to live still’. And he does. I’ve always said ‘my Dad is going to be 95 years plus’.

I’m a very proactive person and I won’t ever believe that we’re now on borrowed time. I’ve already started looking at clinical trials, second opinions and after 3 more scans of MRI and CT, I’m awaiting calls now with the Neuro Surgeon.

I’m not one to post personal stuff on social media, but if anyone has any information or advice, please message me.

I won’t give up this fight for my Dad and my Mum. Never. 🙏

Obviously, Glow is now closed for the foreseeable future 💔

My heart is broken 💔
So many of my lovely clients know Benji, my beloved best friend. He passed over Rainbow Bridge this evening, held tightly in my arms.
He was the heart of our family and we were so lucky to have 14 wonderful years with him. He was so gentle, calm and placid. Working from home meant I got to spend 24/7 with him❤️
I’ll miss his little face staring out at me whilst I pamper you all ❤️ RIP my beautiful Benji Boy 🙏🐾🐾 # #