A West Lothian woman is urging Scottish Parliament to fund more research into brain tumours after losing her husband to the disease – one day before their silver wedding anniversary.
Andy Macfarlane was diagnosed with a glioblastoma after showing signs of confusion and difficulty with everyday tasks during a Christmas holiday to Fuerteventura in 2022.
He underwent surgery, as well as radiotherapy, and, initially, Andy’s scans showed stability but, early last year, his condition began to decline and he sadly passed away, aged 72, in July 2024.
Joanne, 63, said: “Andy was the love of my life – quiet, kind and full of cheeky humour.
“That final year was the hardest. Andy had become disoriented and distant, so it was like losing him before he was gone.
“But even near the end, there were moments where I knew he was still there. One day, I was crying beside him, and he gently stroked my arm, just like he used to. It was the last loving gesture he made, and I’ll never forget it.”
Determined to turn her grief into action, Joanne’s fundraising efforts, including 200k in May Your Way, have raised more than £7,000 – enough to sponsor the equivalent of two days of research at one of our Centres of Excellence, where scientists are working to develop new treatments for glioblastoma – the incurable disease that took Andy’s life.
Joanne said: “What I find unforgivable is how little is still known about brain tumours. How can something that kills more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer receive such little funding? It’s why I’m campaigning now – writing to politicians, raising awareness and doing all I can to support this cause.
“Glioblastoma is a horrible diagnosis and, right now, it’s a death sentence. That has to change for everyone who receives the same devastating news as Andy.”
Make a donation to Joanne's fundraiser to help bring about a future where brain tumours no longer devastate lives.
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