My brother, Bryan, is one of the most kind, caring, loving and giving people that I know. Over the past year he has shown tremendous bravery, resilience and positivity during a very difficult time for him, his wife Karlin, and our family after his brain tumour diagnosis.

Photo: Karlin and Bryan off motorbiking

In March 2025, Bryan collapsed with a seizure at work and was ambulanced to hospital. An MRI scan revealed something deeply worrying – a lesion on his brain. After further seizures and more scans, doctors confirmed the devastating news: Bryan had an aggressive brain tumour called Glioblastoma. He and Karlin received this life-threatening diagnosis on their wedding anniversary – a day that should have been a celebration.

Within weeks, Bryan underwent awake brain surgery (which Bryan described as 'fascinating'), followed by six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy at NHS Grampian, Aberdeen. We are so grateful for the immediate and continued support of all the wonderful NHS and cancer support organisations that have been with us every step of the way.

Glioblastoma is one of the most challenging cancers to treat. It is the most malignant and fast growing type of brain tumour - the typical median survival time is 12-16 months, and the five year survival rate in the UK is estimated to be 5% to 10% of patients.

The current NHS standard treatment has not significantly changed in around 30 years. Brain tumours receive only around 1% of national cancer research funding, even though they kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, according to the Brain Tumour Research charity.

Photo: Bryan's post-op scar healing well, and receiving radiotherapy

Karlin has been unwavering and steadfast during this distressing time, committed to making sure that Bryan gets the best treatment available and she has been by his side throughout. From the moment of Bryan’s diagnosis, Bryan threw himself into researching every possible option, whilst Karlin set about turning that information into action. Together, they spoke with doctors, explored international treatments and connected with other patients facing the same diagnosis. I have never encountered such a loving and committed couple who love each other so deeply.

After completing the main course of treatment available through the NHS, Bryan began additional immunotherapy treatment at the IOZK (Immun-Onkologisches Zentrum Köln ) clinic in Cologne, Germany. This treatment is not available through the NHS and has to be funded privately.

The cost of the initial six-month phase, which is designed to work alongside Bryan’s ongoing chemotherapy and to prepare his immune system for the second stage, has been covered by Bryan and Karlin themselves. They are now ready to begin the second phase which is both more advanced and more expensive. It includes a personalised dendritic cell vaccine, created using Bryan’s own tumour tissue, which is designed to teach his immune system to recognise and fight the cancer.

This treatment offers real hope - and Bryan’s recent MRI scans have been really encouraging - but it comes with very significant costs. We hope to help costs for the following things not available on NHS Scotland:

Bryan and Karlin are dearly loved and respected members of our family and the wider community, having spent years supporting others through charitable work and local projects. He is known across Shetland for his work in the community, as an elected council member, as a volunteer, as a musician and someone deeply involved in the local music and arts scene. Bryan is at his best when he is supporting and teaching others and bringing fun and cheer into our lives.

Ever since his diagnosis, so many people have reached out asking how they can help. Friends, neighbours and even people we barely know have been offering support and asking us to start a fundraiser so that they can contribute towards Bryan’s treatment.

Photo: Bryan's granny, mam and sister (me)

Our initial goal of this fundraiser is to raise £150,000, which will fund the next, and most expensive, six months of treatment.

If Bryan continues responding well to treatment – which we all hope and pray he will – this fundraiser will remain open so that we can continue supporting future treatment. Despite everything that they are going through, Bryan and Karlin continue to face this challenge with remarkable positivity, determination, calmness and humour (anyone who knows Bryan he will find positivity and humour in every corner!). They are truly an inspiration.

Every donation, no matter the size, will help Bryan keep accessing the treatment that is giving him hope and precious time.

If not all of the funds raised are needed for Bryan’s treatment and related costs, any remaining balance will be donated to Brain Tumour Research to support vital work for others facing this terrible disease.

Thank you for reading Bryan’s story, for sharing it and for standing with our family. We are very grateful for your support.

With love, Karen