A family in Western Australia has been struck by an almost unimaginable double health crisis after both parents were diagnosed with brain cancer within months of each other.
A Devastating Double Diagnosis
Greg Britton was the first to notice something was wrong, experiencing numbness in his toe which then spread to an entire loss of feeling down one side of his body. An MRI scan revealed the shocking cause: a 4.5cm tumour located in his brain stem. Greg described how the growth was "just affecting everything," from his basic bodily functions like breathing to his heart rate.
Twelve months after his initial symptoms, surgeons successfully removed the tumour. However, the father-of-two acknowledges the ongoing threat, stating, "It probably will grow back at some stage, so yeah it's just about staying as fit as I can and healthy."
A Second Blow for the Family
Just as the family began to navigate Greg's recovery, his wife, Katie Britton, started experiencing her own alarming symptoms. She suffered from persistent headaches alongside pain in her ear and cheek. After attending Joondalup Hospital in Perth, she received a swift and devastating diagnosis: she too had a brain tumour.
In a cruel twist of timing, Katie underwent surgery for her own 4cm tumour exactly four months after her husband's operation. Medical professionals have confirmed the two cancers are "in no way related," marking their situation as a case of extraordinarily bad luck.
The Heartbreak of Breaking the News
For Katie, who has now completed her first intensive six-week round of combined chemotherapy and radiation, the most harrowing aspect was informing their two teenage children, Luke and Charli. "I was heartbroken for them," Katie told 9News. "Watching how much they all struggled the first time around, to then put them through that again was a very difficult time."
The couple have chosen to publicly share their story to emphasise the critical importance of early detection of brain cancer symptoms, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival chances.
In a remarkable show of community support, a fundraiser was launched for the Britton family in September. To date, $18,298 (approximately £9,132) has been donated to help them with medical costs and to fund a future family holiday to the Whitsundays once they are both well enough to travel.
According to Cancer Australia, an estimated 2,098 new cases of brain cancer were diagnosed in 2025. Treatment, as outlined by the Mayo Clinic, varies depending on the tumour type, size, and location, with common options including surgery and radiation therapy.
Key symptoms of a brain tumour can include:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Problems with vision, speech, or balance
- Unexplained fatigue, seizures, or personality changes
The Brittons' story stands as a powerful reminder of life's fragility and the strength of family in the face of profound adversity.
