A teenage girl from Glasgow tragically died after what her family believed were 'exam stress headaches' turned out to be an aggressive form of brain cancer. Cara, 18, began experiencing migraines in spring 2024, which her parents initially attributed to the pressure of her upcoming Higher exams.
Despite completing her exams, the headaches persisted through the summer. Her father, Graham Hood, 62, and mother Lyndsay, 55, took her to the GP multiple times. Blood tests were carried out, and Cara experienced unexplained vomiting. In August 2024, a locum GP suggested a CT scan, which revealed a brain tumour.
Cara was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a cancer more commonly found in younger children. She underwent surgery to remove the tumour the following day, and later received proton beam therapy in Manchester and chemotherapy. However, in September 2025, scans showed the cancer had returned to her brain and spine.
Cara died in hospital on November 8, 2025. Her father described her as showing 'stoicism and courage' throughout her illness. He is now planning a 56.7-mile charity cycle ride with his son Rory to raise awareness in Cara's memory.
