Philip Spencer, 63, a retired international bank manager from Somerset, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in early 2017 after suffering from dizzy spells and headaches. Known for his strength, intelligence, and love of travel, Philip fought the disease with courage. Sadly, Philip died on 6 December 2018.
Here is Philip’s story, as told by his son, Adam…
Dad had been retired for a year and was enjoying life with his grandchildren and travelling with Gillian our Mum. Then in December 2016, he began having dizzy spells and headaches.
Being a proud man, we forced him to go to our local A&E at Somerset Hospital. They couldn't figure out what was wrong, so they gave dad an MRI scan, that was when the doctors said they found a mass on his brain. We were all deeply concerned
In January 2017, dad went back to Somerset for a second MRI and the doctors confirmed that dad had a brain tumour, a glioblastoma and that dad would need to have brain surgery.
None of us knew what a glioblastoma was or how serious it was. When we researched, we were horrified.
Dad was angry at the world for a while. He had always believed that he decided how his life would play out. We’re a close-knit family, and the diagnosis shook us all. The surgeons told us there were major risks with the operation, hearing loss, paralysis, even death, but surgery was his only option.
In February 2017, Dad had a nine-hour operation, the wait was horrific. Thankfully, there were no complications. The surgeons got all of the tumour and were happy with the outcome. Dad recovered well and started chemo and radiotherapy. He faced it like a challenge, competitive, focused and determined. When my sister Emily got married later that year, it was a moment of normality, a celebration we all needed.
The scans were promising throughout 2017, and dad focussed on his health and kept fit. He even went on holiday to Croatia, but by December things had changed.
Dad's symptoms returned, dizzy spells and headaches. He knew something was wrong and we all feared the worst.
Dad went back to the hospital in January 2018, for a routine MRI. It was what we feared, the tumour was back. It was devastating.
Dad had such a great year of recovery in 2017 with no side effects from surgery, he thought he had beaten it. We all did. This set back was a real kick in the teeth for dad, and it was at this point he realised that it was getting very serious.
After a second surgery at Somerset in March 2018, surgeons were happy with the results and dad started chemotherapy and radiation treatment again. Though this time Dad experienced side effects from the surgery. Dad’s balance was gone and he struggled to walk. Dad needed mobility aids to help him and he was able to take short steps which was a great success.
Eventually, he had to use a mobility scooter, which he hated, but he joked about it and kept going, he never lost his spirit.
It was difficult to see a once fit and healthy man so full of life decline so rapidly. The family came to the realisation that we were losing him. So, we each took time to make memories with him. I took him to Ireland in May, and though he had slowed down and needed lots of rest, we still managed to ride bikes. His goal was to reach his ruby wedding anniversary in May, and he made it.
The rest of my siblings continued their mini breaks with him. Throughout this time dad was still undergoing chemo and radiotherapy treatment. By September dad was placed on steroids which caused his weight to balloon, it really impacted him and changed his personality, one minute he was on top of the world the next he was very angry. This was exceptionally difficult for mum who was his main carer. Dad made it to his 63rd birthday, another milestone and target which we were all pleased about.
By autumn 2018, Dad’s mobility declined further. I took him to the NFL game at Wembley, we’re both huge Raiders fans, and that was our last great day out.
By November Dad had rapidly declined, and we arranged for a hospital bed to be placed in the dining room for him because he could not manage the stairs. A nurse would visit a few times a week to help Mum but Dad was so proud and didn’t want the nurses helping him to the bathroom, so my brother-in-law Rob Ellismoved in temporarily to help. Dad was a big man and it was impossible for mum to manage by herself.
Dad tried alternative therapies and used CBD oil to alleviate the pain, which helped him. Dad was also put on a drip for morphine towards the end.
Dad spent his final weeks at home. Mum was his main carer. He died peacefully on 6 December 2018, surrounded by all of us. That day there were rainbows everywhere.
Dad left behind his wife Gillian, my siblings Melanie, Carl, Emily, and me, and ten grandchildren. Losing him changed everything, he was our mentor and guide. But we each carry parts of him in us.
After Dad died, we got an incredible gift, a book of memories he had been writing. He began it years ago and after his first surgery, he finished it. It’s filled with stories about his life and how he saw and loved each of us. It’s the most precious thing we have.
Dad loved to travel, he visited more than 120 countries, and he taught us to explore the world and not take the conventional path. We’ve kept that spirit alive in our own families.
Losing Dad has completely changed the dynamics of our family. He was the strong head who held us all together. Now, we each see parts of him reflected in ourselves, little quirks and traits that are so much more noticeable since he’s gone. My sister Melanie has naturally stepped into his role, bringing us together and keeping that same sense of unity Dad always inspired.
We knew nothing about brain tumours before Dad’s diagnosis. Now, I realise how common they are and how little funding there is. Brain tumours kill more men than prostate cancer, yet receive only 1% of cancer research funding. We need more awareness, more research, and more hope.
This November, I’m taking on Brain Tumour Research’s 99 Miles in November challenge to raise money for Brain Tumour Research in Dad’s memory. I’ve already raised over £500 and I’ll keep going, because research is so desperately needed.
If I could give advice to others, it’s to record everything. The good and the bad. It’s comforting later to look back. And always push for answers, don’t let your symptoms be dismissed.
Adam Spencer
November 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 Philip’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.
