A young man was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor after suffering a sudden seizure while exercising at the gym.
Isaac Wilton, 21, from Coalville, Leicestershire, appeared fit and healthy when he suddenly collapsed in April 2024 and was rushed to hospital.
An MRI and CT scan revealed a tumor and in May he underwent surgery to remove the mass.
He was diagnosed with grade 4 glioblastoma (GMB), an aggressive cancer, and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Isaac is still undergoing chemotherapy and is taking part in a 13-mile walk to raise funds for immunotherapy treatment, which is not available on the NHS.
Isaac Wilton, 21, from Coalville, Leicestershire, appeared fit and healthy when he suddenly collapsed in April 2024 and was rushed to hospital.
An MRI and CT scan revealed a tumor and in May he underwent surgery to remove the mass. In the photo, Isaac with his girlfriend Caitlin.
Isaac said: ‘The seizure in the gym came completely out of the blue. I felt totally normal and suddenly I was lying in a hospital bed about to have an MRI and CT scan.
“The next thing I knew, they told me I had an aggressive brain tumor, something I never thought would happen to me at only 21 years old.”
GBM has an average survival of only 12 to 18 months, but Isaac doesn’t let that stop him.
Isaac and his family have already raised £162,000 for an immunotherapy treatment that will use Isaac’s own tumor to create a vaccine designed to train his immune system to fight the cancer from growing back.
This Sunday he will embark on a 13-mile walk from Leicester City’s King Power Stadium to the Coalville Clock Tower to continue raising funds for his own life-saving treatment.
Isaac said: “I chose the King Power because Leicester City Football Club means a lot to me.
‘I grew up supporting them and this way I can connect something I love with my fight against this horrible disease.
“Ending at Coalville Clock Tower is also important – I want to end this walk surrounded by wonderful people and the place that is my home.”
Isaac aims to keep the momentum going, supporting his treatment and inspiring others, while raising awareness about the urgent need for more brain tumor research and better treatments.
Isaac added: “The treatments are not cheap, but I know they give me the best chance.”
‘That’s why I’m doing this walk. I may be in pain, I may be exhausted, and I may need a wheelchair, but I’m going to keep going because I’m fighting for my life.
‘My message to other people going through something similar is to surround yourself with amazing people who will lift you up and stay strong, even when it’s hard…’
Ashley McWilliams, head of community development at Brain Tumor Research, said: ‘Isaac’s bravery in facing such an aggressive disease is truly inspiring.
Isaac (pictured with his girlfriend Caitlin) was diagnosed with grade 4 glioblastoma (GMB), an aggressive cancer, and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Mom Joanne (bottom left), sister Harriet (top right), girlfriend Caitlin (top center), dad John (bottom center), grandmother Jennifer (second right), Isaac (right)
Isaac Wilton with his girlfriend Caitlin on his 21st birthday
‘Your fundraising not only helps you access life-saving treatment, but also raises vital awareness about the urgent need for more research into brain tumours, which currently receives just 1% of national funding for cancer research. Increasing this is crucial to finding a cure.”
To support Isaac’s fundraising campaign, visit: http://www.gofundme.com/f/help-desperate-21-year-old-isaac-get-immunotherapy