A father initially mistook his watery eyes and runny nose for hay fever symptoms only to later discover he had a severe brain tumor. Jamie Jennings, aged 47, began experiencing these symptoms in May 2025, initially dismissing them as mild allergy issues. However, his condition worsened over the following month, leading to confusion and an inability to focus. Concerned, Jamie sought medical help and underwent an MRI scan at St John’s Hospital, where a lesion on his brain was detected. Specialists at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh then confirmed the devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma, a highly aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer.
Given a prognosis of three to six months without treatment, Jamie opted to undergo a rigorous six-week regimen of radiotherapy and oral chemotherapy starting in July 2025. He has since transitioned to a six-month course of chemotherapy tablets and is managing his condition as best as possible. Jamie’s wife, Sharon, described him as a compassionate individual who took good care of himself despite having type 1 diabetes. She highlighted their shock at the diagnosis and emphasized the need to raise awareness and support research for potential cures for glioblastoma.
Recalling the onset of Jamie’s symptoms, Sharon mentioned mistaking them for hay fever initially but grew alarmed when his confusion escalated. Following the diagnosis, she recounted the emotional turmoil of hearing the bleak prognosis and the challenges of the treatment process, which left Jamie physically and mentally drained. The family, including their son Kai, is actively participating in fundraising efforts for the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, such as the upcoming Motherwell Walk of Hope on September 27.
Sharon expressed her dismay at the lack of funding for brain tumor research and emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives like the Walk of Hope to contribute towards finding a cure. Ashley McWilliams, a community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, commended Jamie’s family for their strength and dedication to raising awareness and funds for research. The organization looks forward to collaborating with them during the Walk of Hope event to further their cause.