Loving mother, daughter, wife, and friend, Lesley McFarlane from Cumbernauld was described by those who knew her best as a 'top chick'. Born and raised in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Lesley dedicated her life to her family and brought light into every room she entered. In February 2014, Lesley was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, enduring 11 months of surgery and treatments to keep the tumour at bay. Despite her extraordinary courage and strength, Lesley died in January 2015, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience. Her family organised a 45-mile bike ride to mark 10 years since her passing and raised thousands for Brain Tumour Research.
Here is Lesley’s story, as told by her daughters, Mirren and Caitlin…
Mum was the most incredible person. She had this ability to make everyone feel special, whether it was through her kindness, her sense of humour, or simply her presence. Growing up, she was our best friend, our biggest cheerleader, and the person we could always rely on. She truly was born to be the best mum, and her love shaped our lives in ways we’ll cherish forever.
In February 2014, the world turned upside down. Mum had been experiencing persistent headaches and episodes of confusion, but we never imagined the devastating diagnosis that followed. An MRI at University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie revealed a mass in her brain, which was later diagnosed as a glioblastoma, a grade-4 aggressive and cancerous brain tumour.
When Mum was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour, time stood still.
The news was shattering, but Mum faced her diagnosis with immense strength and courage. She underwent surgery at Southern General Hospital in Glasgow to remove as much of the tumour as possible, followed by radiotherapy to keep it from growing. Despite the physical toll it took on her, she continued to smile, to laugh, and to make every moment count. That’s who she was – always putting others first, even when she was going through the hardest fight of her life. We are so grateful for our Gran, Elizabeth, who was there for Mum through all the difficult moments.
In the months following her diagnosis, Mum remained determined to create lasting memories with us. We spent time together as a family, cherishing every moment we had. But as the tumour progressed, her health began to decline. She had put on weight because of the steroid medication she was taking, and she wasn’t quite herself at times, yet her love and devotion to us never wavered.
Although she was seriously unwell, in November 2014, Mum took us on the trip of a lifetime to New York City!
It was the most special time for us, as Mum had always wanted to go. This final chance to make beautiful memories together became our last family holiday, one that will stay with us forever. Her strength and dedication to us were nothing short of extraordinary.
Losing Mum on 4 January 2015 was the most painful experience of our lives. She was only 45, and we had just 11 months left to spend with her since her initial diagnosis. It felt so unfair. The void she left is something words can’t fully describe, but her love and spirit continue to guide us every day.
This year, on the 10th anniversary of Mum’s passing, our family wanted to do something meaningful to celebrate her life and legacy.
We organised a 45-mile charity bike ride, representing each year of Mum’s life. The route took us from our family home in Cumbernauld to her hometown of Kirkcaldy on 4 January 2025. This ride was more than just a challenge – it was a tribute to Mum’s strength, love, and legacy, and a way to make a meaningful difference for other families facing the same battle. She would probably call us mad for doing it in the January chill, but we’re so pleased to have raised over £7,500 for Brain Tumour Research on the anniversary of her passing.
Knowing that a Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, dedicated to finding a cure for the type of brain tumour Mum had, is opening close to home has only strengthened our resolve. Supporting this cause feels deeply personal as we work to ensure other families don’t endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one too soon. The incredible generosity of friends, family, and supporters has helped us exceed our fundraising goal, and we’re honoured to ride in Mum’s memory, carrying her love and spirit with us.
Mirren and Caitlin McFarlane
January 2025
One in three people in the UK knows someone affected by a brain tumour. This disease is indiscriminate; it can affect anyone at any age. What’s more, brain tumours continue to kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet, to date, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002.
Brain Tumour Research is determined to change this.
If you have been touched by Lesley’s story, you may like to make a donation via www.braintumourresearch.org/donate or leave a gift in your will via www.braintumourresearch.org/legacy
Together we will find a cure.