Ampthill man who collapsed on Greek beach with brain tumour running London Marathon

Gavin White, 46, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma after suffering a seizure during a family holiday in July 2023.

The dad-of-two is taking on the marathon on Sunday to raise money for the charity Brain Tumour Research, which funds research to find better treatments and improve outcomes for patients facing this type of incurable brain cancer.

Gavin, who founded the Milton Keynes automotive business Autotech Group, said: “Everything happened so quickly. I was told I had a brain tumour and that I would only have between six and 14 months to live. It was pretty blunt, but I never give up and do what I can to stay positive and raise money for research.

“Up until my diagnosis I had no desire to do a marathon, but then I thought, ‘Why not?’ It keeps me mentally occupied and physically fit while going through treatment, and I was lucky enough to have a group of friends who would come out on runs with me.

"I ran the Milton Keynes Marathon in May 2025 and really enjoyed it, but the pinnacle is to run London. I’m really looking forward to it because it will be a great atmosphere and a brilliant experience.”

Gavin has a glioblastoma – a highly aggressive and rapidly growing tumour that is especially challenging to treat. It is the most common type of primary high-grade brain tumour in adults, with around 3,200 people diagnosed each year in the UK. For patients with glioblastoma, their tumour almost always recurs and when it does, options are extremely limited.

In 2023, Gavin had been having headaches, episodes of confusion, changes in his eyesight and an unquenchable thirst at night-time. During a family holiday in Greece in July, he suffered a seizure so severe he broke his collarbone.

Gavin was flown back to the UK for scans at Bedford Hospital which revealed the tumour on his brain. He was transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital where he had an awake craniotomy followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. His tumour is currently stable.

Since his diagnosis, Gavin and his Autotech colleagues have raised £100,000 for Brain Tumour Research, taking part in the charity’s Walk of Hope and Gavin rowed in the Dragon Boat Festival in Milton Keynes.

On Sunday, Gavin will run the London Marathon to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.

He said: “When I was diagnosed, everything I heard about brain tumours was doom and gloom but now things are moving at pace. Researchers are really trying to find a way around this, but ultimately it’s all about money. The more money and time you can throw at something, the more likely you are to find a solution to the problem. Other cancers have benefitted from increased funding so now it’s time brain tumours received more.

“I pretty much live my life in three-month segments from scan to scan because I always know there’s a strong chance this will come back at some point and it could kill me. I just take every day as it comes and try to be as positive as I can. Being connected to Brain Tumour Research is a big part of my life now.”

Carol Robertson, national events manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Gavin’s determination to take on the London Marathon is truly inspiring. Brain tumours are indiscriminate and devastating, and stories like Gavin’s highlight why greater investment in research is so urgently needed. We are incredibly grateful to Gavin for turning his experience into action and helping us raise vital funds and awareness as we work towards finding a cure.”

Support Gavin’s fundraising campaign here