A father’s ‘unquenchable’ thirst turned out to be a little-known symptom of a deadly brain tumour – after he collapsed on holiday in Greece.
Gavin White, 46, was away with family in July 2023 when he suffered a seizure on the beach and was given six to 14 months to live.
He had been experiencing headaches, periods of confusion and changes in his eyesight – as well as feelings of extreme thirst – before the terrifying episode.
Mr White flew back to the UK for scans at Bedford Hospital where it was revealed he had a glioblastoma.
He was transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for an awake craniotomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Fortunately, Mr White’s tumour is now stable.
Almost three years after the diagnosis the father has raised over £100,000 for Brain Tumour Research with the help of colleagues from work and is now running the TCS London Marathon to raise money and add to the funds.
Living ‘scan to scan’ Mr White said he tried to remain positive – adding training for the Milton Keynes Marathon in 2025 had helped him through his treatment.
Gavin Whit (pictured), 46, was away with family in July 2023 when he suffered a seizure on the beach and was given six to 14 months to live
Mr White is seen here after his August 2023 operation. He had flown back to the UK for scans at Bedford Hospital where it was revealed he had a glioblastoma
Mr White, founder of automotive business Autotech Group, from Ampthill, Bedfordshire, 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.’
The cancer patient explained he tended to live his life in ‘three-month segments from scan to scan’ due to the ‘strong chance’ the disease could return and ‘kill’ him.
He said: ‘I just take every day as it comes and try to be as positive as I can.’
Mr White was on holiday with family in July 2023 when he collapsed on the beach in a seizure, struggling with symptoms like headaches and an unquenchable thirst that year.
Mr White explained his connection to Brain Tumour Research was now an important part of his life
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Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive and rapidly growing tumour that is especially challenging to treat with around 3,200 people in the UK receiving a diagnosis each year.
Mr White said he had run the Milton Keynes Marathon in May 2025 and enjoyed it, but added the ‘pinnacle is to run London’.
He said: ‘I’m really looking forward to it because it will be a great atmosphere and a brilliant experience.
‘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.’
Mr White explained his connection to Brain Tumour Research was now an important part of his life.
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.’
