The silence is the hardest part, says Kris Beasley, a father from Chippenham, Wiltshire, grappling with the recent loss of his wife, Carly, to a brain tumour. Beasley is now speaking out, urging increased funding for brain tumour research, a disease he describes as devastating and indiscriminate, capable of impacting anyone at any age. His call to action comes during Brain Tumour Awareness Month, a critical time for raising awareness and support for those affected by these challenging cancers.
Carly Beasley’s journey began in 2017, at the age of 30, when she experienced a sudden seizure. A subsequent diagnosis revealed a low-grade oligodendroglioma, a type of primary brain tumour. Following surgery, Carly enjoyed a period of normalcy, but the tumour tragically returned after the birth of her daughter, Ivy, in 2021. Despite undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, her condition deteriorated, and she passed away in September 2025, leaving behind a profound void for her husband and young daughter. The impact of Carly’s loss is deeply felt, particularly as the family navigates their first Mother’s Day without her.
A Devastatingly Common Cancer
Brain tumours are often described as an indiscriminate disease, and the statistics bear this out. According to Brain Tumour Research, more than 1,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year. Alarmingly, brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer in the UK. This makes research into effective treatments and, a cure, all the more urgent.
“To watch someone you love and someone so fun and energetic get almost taken bit by bit by such a devastating disease, it’s just really challenging to watch,” Beasley shared with BBC Radio Wiltshire. He emphasizes the critical need for increased funding, stating that brain tumours are among the most underfunded cancers, leaving too many families facing similar heartbreak.
Research at the University of Plymouth
Beasley is collaborating with the Research Centre of Excellence at the University of Plymouth, where scientists are actively investigating glioma, which includes oligodendroglioma, the type of tumour Carly battled. Researchers are focused on understanding the underlying causes of gliomas and how they progress from lower to higher grades, aiming to develop more effective and targeted therapies.
Letty Greenfield, community fundraising manager at the centre, underscored the urgency of the situation. “We urgently need greater funding to improve outcomes, develop kinder treatments and, find a cure so that other families are spared this devastation,” she stated. The centre’s operate represents a vital step towards improving the lives of those affected by brain tumours.
Carly herself demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout her illness. As reported by WiltshireLive, Carly defied medical expectations and regained her speech just one month after a major operation in August 2022, despite doctors initially suggesting it could take years. She raised over £10,000 for Brain Tumour Research with the help of family and friends, demonstrating her commitment to raising awareness even while facing her own health challenges.
The Beasley family’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of brain tumours and the critical need for continued research, and support. While a cure remains elusive, the dedication of researchers, coupled with the advocacy of families like the Beasleys, offers a glimmer of hope for a future where brain tumours no longer claim so many lives.
As Brain Tumour Awareness Month continues, the call for increased funding and awareness remains paramount. The hope is that through continued research and support, more effective treatments can be developed, and a cure can be found, sparing other families the heartbreak experienced by the Beasleys.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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