Kelly Smith from Wrexham is campaigning for better brain cancer research after her husband Joshua, 34, was diagnosed with an incurable glioblastoma. Doctors initially dismissed his symptoms, but a CT scan later revealed a 4.5cm tumour.
Repeated Dismissals Before Diagnosis
Joshua, a machinist at Tritech, began experiencing severe headaches and confusion in early 2025. Kelly took him to the GP, citing red flags, but was told there was nothing to worry about. Days later, at A&E in Wrexham, they were sent home with morphine. Kelly insisted on returning the next morning, leading to a CT scan that found the mass.
Kelly said: "In January, Joshua started complaining of what seemed like brain fog. Then one night he developed an excruciating migraine and said it felt like his head was going to explode. The pain lasted for days."
Diagnosis and Surgery
Surgeons at The Walton Centre in Liverpool removed 95% of the tumour on February 24. Joshua then underwent six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The couple had been trying to start a family and loved traveling in their campervan, plans now on hold.
Kelly said: "When Josh woke up from surgery, the first thing he did was ring me and ask for a KFC Bargain Bucket. He was walking and talking within 24 hours and home in three days."
Campaign for More Research
Around 3,200 people in the UK are diagnosed with glioblastoma annually. Only 4% survive five years or more. Treatments have not improved in over 20 years. No brain cancer patients were recruited to clinical trials in Wales between 2019 and 2024, according to Brain Tumour Research.
Kelly raised over £2,000 by walking 200km in May for the charity. Dr Karen Noble of Brain Tumour Research said: "Joshua’s story reflects the devastating reality faced by so many families across the UK. We need increased national investment in research, more clinical trials, and improved access to innovative treatments."
Government Response
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: "The new government’s Cancer Plan for Wales will outline the approach toward research, innovation and improving access to clinical trials. We are also planning a Wales Cancer Conference to share best practice in cancer care."
