Man, 21, who suffered seizure after gym discovers he has brain tumour

A young lad was struck with a diagnosis of an aggressive brain tumour after experiencing a sudden seizure during a gym session. Isaac Wilton, 21, from Leicestershire, was in the prime of his health when he unexpectedly collapsed in April 2024, leading to an immediate hospital admission.

Following an MRI and CT scan, a tumour was discovered, leading to surgical intervention in May to remove the growth. He was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma (GMB) - a particularly aggressive form of cancer - and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.

Isaac continues his chemotherapy journey and is participating in a 13-mile trek to raise funds for immunotherapy treatment - a service not currently provided by the NHS. Isaac, from Coalville, Leicestershire, 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. 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: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-desperate-21-year-old-isaac-get-immunotherapy