A father's 'unquenchable thirst' turned out to be a symptom of a deadly brain tumour after he collapsed while on holiday in Greece. Gavin White, 46, was enjoying a family break in Greece during July 2023 when he suffered a seizure on a beach.
He had been experiencing headaches, bouts of confusion, alterations to his vision, and an unquenchable thirst at night. After returning to Britain for scans at Bedford Hospital, doctors discovered he had a glioblastoma and gave him between six to 14 months to live.
He was moved to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge for an awake craniotomy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. His tumour is currently stable. Nearly three years later, he has raised more than £100,000 for Brain Tumour Research alongside work colleagues and completed the TCS London Marathon at the weekend to boost the total further.
Living 'scan to scan', Gavin maintains an upbeat outlook, with training for the Milton Keynes Marathon in 2025 helping him navigate his treatment. Gavin, founder of automotive firm Autotech Group from Ampthill, Bedfordshire, said: 'Everything happened so quickly. I was told I had a brain tumour and that I would only have between six and 14 months to live. It was pretty blunt, but I never give up and do what I can to stay positive and raise money for research.'
'Up until my diagnosis, I had no desire to do a marathon, but then I thought, why not? It keeps me mentally occupied and physically fit while going through treatment, and I was lucky enough to have a group of friends who would come out on runs with me.'
'I pretty much live my life in three-month segments from scan to scan because I always know there's a strong chance this will come back at some point and it could kill me. I just take every day as it comes and try to be as positive as I can.'
Gavin was holidaying with relatives in July 2023 when he suffered a seizure and collapsed on the beach, having battled symptoms including headaches and unquenchable thirst throughout that year. Medical scans back in the UK revealed he had developed a glioblastoma, an extremely aggressive and fast-growing tumour that is particularly difficult to treat. Approximately 3,200 people across the UK are diagnosed annually.
Since then, he has dedicated himself to generating crucial funding to support research efforts and the search for a cure. He explained: 'I ran the Milton Keynes Marathon in May 2025 and really enjoyed it, but the pinnacle is to run London. I'm really looking forward to it because it will be a great atmosphere and a brilliant experience. When I was diagnosed, everything I heard about brain tumours was doom and gloom but now things are moving at pace.'
'Researchers are really trying to find a way around this, but ultimately it's all about money. The more money and time you can throw at something, the more likely you are to find a solution to the problem. Other cancers have benefitted from increased funding so now it's time brain tumours received more. Being connected to Brain Tumour Research is a big part of my life now.'
On Sunday, Gavin took on the world-renowned TCS London Marathon to raise even more vital funds. He crossed the finish line in 45,155th place, clocking a time of 5 hours, 20 minutes, and 23 seconds. Carol Robertson, national events manager at Brain Tumour Research, commented: 'Gavin's determination to take on the London Marathon is truly inspiring. Brain tumours are indiscriminate and devastating, and stories like Gavin's highlight why greater investment in research is so urgently needed. We are incredibly grateful to Gavin for turning his experience into action and helping us raise vital funds and awareness as we work towards finding a cure.'
To support Gavin's fundraising efforts, visit: justgiving.com/page/brains4brains-lm26
