A 'fit and healthy' man from the Midlands who was told his crippling headaches were migraines later discovered he had an incurable brain tumour.
A devastating misdiagnosis
Andi Peel, from Groby in Leicestershire, endured months of worsening head pain which doctors initially put down to migraines and stress. The active 31-year-old, described by his mother as always being at the gym and playing basketball for several teams, sought further answers when his symptoms persisted.
It was only after undergoing an MRI scan that he received the shattering diagnosis: a glioblastoma brain tumour. This aggressive form of cancer was confirmed in January 2020. The prognosis for this type of tumour is typically just 12 to 18 months, and it almost always returns after surgery.
A relentless three-year battle
Andi underwent surgery at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, followed by intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite this aggressive treatment, his tumour continued to grow. He suffered severe side effects and eventually lost his sight completely.
His mother, Linda Peel, 59, was by his side when he died peacefully at home on January 11, 2023. "After watching my wonderful son fight a battle he could never win for nearly three years, finding a cure to this devastating disease is so important to me," Linda said.
She remembered Andi as a funny, placid man who had a successful career as a manager at Carphone Warehouse and a passion for cars and music. "He had everything going for him," she added.
Funding hope for the future: Andi's Army
Driven by her loss, Linda has channeled her grief into action. Alongside a dedicated group called Andi’s Army, she has raised more than £53,200 for the charity Brain Tumour Research.
The funds have been gathered through various challenges, including marathons and charity basketball games. This support is now contributing to a significant new initiative.
Linda is backing a £2.6 million investment by Brain Tumour Research to launch a new Centre of Excellence at the University of Nottingham. The centre will focus specifically on tackling glioblastoma.
Scientists there will employ artificial intelligence (AI), advanced MRI imaging, and genomic techniques to better understand why these tumours recur and to progress towards more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
"It is wonderful news to hear that the Nottingham Centre of Excellence will be focusing on research into glioblastoma," Linda said. "A dedicated hub like this will hopefully offer help and hope to other patients and families facing this awful disease."
Dan Knowles, CEO of Brain Tumour Research, praised Linda's efforts: "Linda’s determination to honour Andi’s memory by supporting vital research is deeply moving... We are on the cusp of change - and this new Centre of Excellence will play a pivotal role in delivering cutting-edge research."
Linda's final message is one of urgency: "I cannot stress enough how important it is to fund research into glioblastoma. The limited treatment available at the moment was very tough on Andi, and any research that can give patients hope can only help."
