London Marathon success for Ampthill man given 14 months to live after brain tumour diagnosis

Gavin White, who was diagnosed with a glioblastoma after collapsing while on holiday in July 2023, crossed the finish line in 5 hours, 20 minutes, 23 seconds.

He said: "In August 2023, I was told I had six to 14 months to live. Then, in May 2025 I ran my first marathon in Milton Keynes. Now in April 2026, I have just run the biggest and record-breaking marathon in the world. It is the best thing I have ever done, what a day, what an experience. Running for the loved ones we have lost, for the ones holding on to hope and for a cure."

The dad-of-two took part in the marathon to raise money for the Brain Tumour Research charity, which funds research to find better treatments and improve outcomes for patients facing incurable brain cancer.

Gavin, who founded the Milton Keynes automotive business Autotech Group, added: “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 was to run London.”

Gavin has a glioblastoma – 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.

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.

“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 positive. Being connected to Brain Tumour Research is a big part of my life now.”

You can support Gavin’s fundraising appeal here.