The young man was sent straight to intensive care after he complained of headaches

A young man suffering from excruciating headaches turned his world upside down after going to the doctors.

Kieran Shingler of Warrington started having symptoms last year on Bonfire Night, and paracetamol and Sudafed failed to relieve them. After a week and a half, the pain in the 23-year-old boy intensified, headaches also made him feel tired and nauseous.

Doctors advised Kieran to go to the emergency room, and after more tests, he was diagnosed with a high-grade cancerous brain tumor.

That night, November 21 last year, Kieran was referred to the Walton Center for four major brain surgeries, including emergency surgery on Christmas Day. The 23-year-old is currently on a four-week break and will begin his second cycle of chemotherapy in early April, in pill form that he can take at home.

In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, 24-year-old friend Abby Henstock said that Kieran has always been an “active guy” and has played football for as long as she has known him. However, since the diagnosis, he has not been able to play his favorite sport.

She said: “During the 2020 quarantine, he really got into triathlon. He got his first real road bike during the 2020 lockdown and that’s where it all started. Kieran joined the TriCentral UK triathlon team in early 2022 and has competed in several triathlon events. including 70.3 in Chester last summer. Since he was diagnosed, Kieran has been unable to swim, run or even ride a bike.

“This was obviously frustrating and devastating for him, as he lost a bit in his physicality, but turning that into a positive, the physicality he had really benefited him, as doctors and nurses told us on several occasions.

“Even after his first major brain surgery, he still wanted to take a walk to the local coffee shop. During treatment, he also walked with me. We were just blown away by how he still wanted to go outside, even if it was a walk down the block, while he was undergoing intensive treatment and after four major brain surgeries.”

Abby described her partner as “gentle” and “laid-back” and said his loved ones were immensely proud of him.

She said, “Kieran is the most gentle person, he is so calm and doesn’t worry about anything. He always has a smile on his face and always wants to please everyone first. close family.

“He enjoys triathlon, is a big fan of Liverpool and enjoys the company of our friends, whether it’s hiking, dining or going to the gym. We are so incredibly proud of him that there are not enough words to describe it.

“Our worlds have been turned upside down and this has been the worst couple of months of our lives, however we have to accept what is happening and take each day for what it is. Me, his mom, dad, sister and her boyfriend, as well as his extended friends and family are always there for him.”

Abby and Kieran’s friends and family are now looking to raise funds to support several brain cancer charities. They have now created a GoFundMe page and are taking part in numerous fundraising events.

The 24-year-old actor said, “Before Kieran was diagnosed, we didn’t know much about brain tumors. I saw the recent news about Tom Parker from “The Wanted”, but never paid much attention to funding, as I assumed. will be treated in the same way as breast cancer, etc. However, now we know how underfunded it is. Every year in the UK, 2,374 young people aged 16 to 24 are diagnosed with cancer. More than £700m is spent on cancer research, but less than 3 percent is spent on brain cancer.

“In June 110. [members] some of our family and friends are taking part in Warrington’s 5K quite filthy as part of ‘Kieran’s Krew’ and all the funds we raise go to the UK Brain Cancer Research. We currently have just over £8,500.

“Me, Kieran’s sister, his mom and his mom’s friend are skydiving to raise money for Clatterbridge Cancer Center. Half of the money raised will go to the teens and young adults department and the rest to the department that needs it most.

“The Kiran Triathlon Club is participating in a 100-mile bike ride in April to raise funds for Kieran. His old football team is going up to Snowdon to also raise money for our GoFundMe page and his friend is taking part in his very first triathlon in May: So much going on, we’re so overwhelmed and want to encourage more people to raise money for charities fighting against brain tumor.

“March is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, so I think this is the perfect time to share our story. There was also a debate in the House of Commons on 9 March regarding funding for brain tumors.”

To donate to GoFundMe, click here.