A primary school teacher and local firefighter from North Berwick has died after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour. James McPherson, 46, passed away on Sunday, November 1, following a fight with stage four glioblastoma.
Mr McPherson, a dad-of-three, was diagnosed in February this year after experiencing symptoms including severe migraine-like headaches, confusion, stumbling, and lapses in memory. He was given 12 to 18 months to live without advanced treatment.
Family tribute and fundraising appeal
In a statement on Facebook, his family wrote: "Our amazing dad, brother and son peacefully passed away in the early hours of this morning. Dad was surrounded by those he loved. We are all grateful for all the support you gave him, he fought incredibly hard as he always did and each of you filled him with hope. Our dad had a beautiful soul and he was overwhelmed with all the support and we believe you all gave him great comfort from the beginning."
The family added: "Our dad always laughed and joked and would want to be celebrated. Enjoy a happy memory and toast for him."
A GoFundMe appeal raised more than £44,000 to allow Mr McPherson to receive urgent private treatment in London. The funds went toward consultations, travel, and life-extending treatment.
Treatment and surgery
Mr McPherson, who was a P5 teacher at Law Primary School and a firefighter with over 22 years' service, underwent a private CT scan in Edinburgh that revealed a tumour measuring 7cm by 4cm. He had surgery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in March, but only 70 per cent of the tumour could be removed due to complications. He also lost peripheral vision in both eyes and suffered short-term memory loss.
In August, he received three doses of immunotherapy (DCVax-L) in London, but the family said in a final GoFundMe update on October 29 that he had decided to stop treatment due to a change in health.
Mr McPherson had served his community as a firefighter for over 22 years and dedicated seven years to teaching at Law Primary School.
