A first-time father from South Shields has been told he has just months to live after a rare and aggressive brain tumour returned and spread to his spine. Craig Dunn, 35, was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma in May 2025 following severe headaches and underwent major surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. After entering remission, routine scans in May 2026 revealed the cancer had returned and spread, with doctors giving him up to 12 months to live.
Devastating news after feeling hopeful
Craig said: "It's been awful. Mentally, it's probably the worst news anybody could ever receive. It's just hard to overcome it and I'm trying my best for my daughter. But it's tough, especially when you're not expecting it at all." He had been feeling well and had no symptoms, with previous check-ups showing positive results. In September 2025, he was told everything was going really well, and again in January 2026. The sudden change has left him and his family devastated.
Craig was due to marry his fiancée Nabela in December 2026 at The Croft in Darlington, but the wedding has been called off. Instead, they will tie the knot at the local registry office on July 10, 2026. He is focused on creating cherished memories for his three-year-old daughter Serena.
Creating a legacy for his daughter
Craig said: "I think what hurts me the most is the fact that she's going to grow up and she's not going to remember me. And if she does remember me, it's just going to be through pictures, videos, and stuff like that. I don't have the chance to actually have a full conversation with her yet because she's not at that stage, which is heartbreaking." He plans to create a "dear dad's diary" with videos for each of her birthdays, involving her in the recordings so she can see herself with her father.
A GoFundMe page has raised more than £68,000 within three days to support the family. Craig was unable to secure life insurance after a Sepsis diagnosis in 2018 that required emergency surgery. The family is also seeking information on clinical treatment for Medulloblastoma in adults, as it is rare and research is limited.
Rare cancer with limited options
Medulloblastoma is more common in young children but exceptionally rare in adults, leading to minimal research and few treatment options. Craig is determined to stay alive for his daughter and is appealing for any guidance on treatments in the UK or overseas.
