Isaac with his girlfriend Caitlin (Image: SWNS)
In an utterly heart-wrenching turn of events, 21 year old Isaac Wilton’s life changed in a blink while working out at the gym. The young man, from Coalville, Leicestershire, experienced a sudden seizure in April 2024 and was immediately whisked away to hospital.
Medical investigations including an MRI and CT scan unveiled a looming threat – a tumour. Undergoing surgery in May to extract the growth, Isaac was confronted with the grave diagnosis of grade 4 glioblastoma (GBM), an unforgiving type of cancer known for its aggression. Since then, he has bravely faced both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Currently enduring ongoing chemotherapy, Isaac refuses to yield to his condition and is gearing up for a challenging 13-mile hike aimed at garnering funds for cutting-edge immunotherapy treatment, which remains beyond the reach of NHS provisions. The valiant trooper, determined to fight back against the recurring cancer, has managed to amass an impressive £162,000 alongside his family.
These funds are earmarked for a pioneering vaccine fashioned from Isaac’s very own tumour, with hopes of coaching his immune system into mounting a powerful defence. Issac recounted the horrifying ordeal: “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.”
Isaac’s mum Joanne (bottom left), sister Harriet (top right), girlfriend Caitlin (top centre), dad John (bottom centre), grandma Jennifer (second right) (Image: SWNS)
The news that followed left him reeling: “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.” Despite the daunting GBM prognosis, which typically signals a survival window of merely 12-18 months, Isaac is steadfast and not ready to give in.
Uniting with his loved ones, Isaac has pegged this Sunday for the trek; it will span from Leicester City’s King Power Stadium to the Coalville Clock Tower. He chose the starting point with affection, noting, “I picked the King Power because Leicester City Football Club means so much to me.”
Isaac embarks on this poignant journey not only to raise crucial funds but also as a symbol of hope and indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. Determined Isaac has pledged to soldier on with his fundraising mission despite grappling with a horrific brain tumour, saying: “I’ve grown up supporting them, and this way, I can connect something I love with my fight against this horrible disease.”
The focal point of his journey will be a poignant homecoming at Coalville Clock Tower, where he wishes to conclude his walk, emphasising: “Finishing at Coalville Clock Tower is important too—I want to end this walk surrounded by the wonderful people and place that is home.”
GBM’s typically have an average survival period of just 12-18 months (Image: SWNS)
In an awe-inspiring drive to fuel his treatment and motivate others, Isaac seeks to raise both funds and consciousness concerning the dire necessity of advanced research into brain tumours and improved therapies. The young warrior remarked: “The treatments aren’t cheap, but I know they give me the best shot.”
He resolutely stated: “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.” His advice to fellows battling personal trials brace yourself with exceptional supporters who elevate you and maintain fortitude amidst adversity.
Ashley McWilliams from Brain Tumour Research lauded Isaac’s valor against such a formidable illness, asserting: “Isaac’s courage in facing such an aggressive disease is truly inspiring.”
She highlighted his fundraising’s dual purpose – enabling him access to potentially lifesaving therapy and illuminating the critical need for augmented brain tumour research, which is currently starved of national cancer research funding at a mere 1%. A hike in research financing is paramount for discovering a remedy.
To bolster Isaac’s charitable endeavour, please visit his GoFundMe page.
Isaac added: “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. 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. 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. 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 Wilton, right, with his mum Joanne (Image: undefined)
“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. 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.”
