Barry Taylor, a 68-year-old grandfather from Thurrock, Essex, died from a glioblastoma in January 2026, just five weeks after being diagnosed. In a unique twist, a Dulux paint named Bazza Blue, inspired by his piercing blue eyes, has become a lasting legacy.
Sudden onset of symptoms
In November 2025, Barry began suffering from excruciating headaches and confusion. His daughter, Dixie, 30, said: "Dad was acting out of character. He was being a bit childish and he didn't recognise some people during meetings." His GP referred him to an ear, nose and throat specialist at Thurrock Community Hospital, where a CT scan revealed a mass on his brain.
Barry was sent to A&E at Basildon University Hospital and put on steroids to reduce brain swelling. A full body scan showed two tumours joining like a web. The consultant said it was aggressive and most likely grade four, which a biopsy confirmed.
Treatment withdrawal and hospice care
Barry agreed to radiotherapy after being told chemotherapy would not be effective. However, just over a week before treatment was due to start, his family received a devastating call that treatment was being withdrawn because the latest markers showed hospice care was the only option. Dixie said: "It was awful having that lifeline taken away." Barry was cared for at home by his family and died on January 25, 2026.
Dixie, now managing director of the painting and decorating company A&B Group, which Barry founded 40 years ago, is working with the charity Brain Tumour Research during Glioblastoma Awareness Week (July 13 to 19). The charity is campaigning to increase national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year and to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK.
Glioblastoma statistics
Around 3,200 people in the UK are diagnosed with a glioblastoma each year. Only one third survive beyond a year, and just 4% survive five years or more. The average survival time is 12 to 18 months. There is no cure, and treatments have not improved in more than 20 years.
Dixie said: "With so many illnesses and diseases, there are cures, but we don't have that for brain tumours. It's like passing a bullet over and saying you have to surrender."
Bazza Blue: a tribute
Shortly before Barry's diagnosis, the company A&B Group dedicated a custom paint colour to him, called Bazza Blue, inspired by the colour of his eyes. Paul Roughan, sales director at Dulux Decorator Centre, said: "Barry was a valued partner, mentor and a well-respected member of our industry. His passion, professionalism and the relationships he built left a lasting impact on everyone who worked with him."
Dixie said: "It was such a lovely gesture. Everyone always said what an awesome man dad was; his eyes, personality and heart completely matched all that so it's a really fitting gesture."
Fundraising and research
On July 5, Dixie and her friend Ellie Conway ran the Maidstone 10k, raising more than £2,000 for Brain Tumour Research. Dixie said: "Dad was truly one in a million, an idol, a gentleman, a legend. He will be missed more than words can explain."
Brain Tumour Research noted that brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, yet historically just 1% of national cancer research funding has been allocated to brain tumours since 2002. The charity's Centre of Excellence at Queen Mary University of London has developed a platform to compare glioblastoma stem cells with healthy brain stem cells from the same patient, aiming to personalise treatment.
Dr Karen Noble, director of research and policy at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Barry's story reflects the devastating reality faced by so many families across the UK. We are calling on the Government to increase the national investment in research into brain tumours, including glioblastoma."
