Shaun Lindsay was a joyful and energetic six-year-old boy who loved cars, his PlayStation, and helping out with DIY projects. He was a big fan of Bob the Builder and had a natural curiosity for fixing things. Diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma at age three, Shaun faced his condition with remarkable bravery but lost his battle on 25 February 2003. His family keeps his memory alive through fundraising and sharing his story, celebrating the love and happiness he brought into their lives.
Here is Shaun’s story, as told by his mum, Tracy…
Shaun was born on 3 June 1996, in Ayr, weighing 10lbs 13oz. From the moment he arrived, he brought so much joy into our lives. He was a happy, energetic boy who loved playing with his cars, his PlayStation, and watching his favourite shows like Bob the Builder. He was always eager to help with DIY projects, screwdriver in hand, ready to "fix" things.
In January 2000, when Shaun was three years old, we began noticing small changes. His head tilted to the left, and his left hand wasn’t lifting the same as his right. We visited the doctor multiple times, but they suggested it was muscle damage from birth. Despite swimming sessions to strengthen his muscles, his condition worsened.
Shaun was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma, and surgery to remove it wasn’t an option because of its location in his brain. It felt like our whole world was falling apart, but we were determined to do whatever we could for him.
We moved to Glasgow so Shaun could receive treatment at the Southern General Hospital. He underwent a biopsy, but we were told the tumour had grown into part of his brain. Removing it would have left him with no quality of life. Doctors estimated he might have another 10 to 15 years.
When we returned home, Shaun had tubing attached to his head to drain excess fluid from his brain. He was also prescribed steroids and other medications. Despite everything, Shaun always had a big grin on his face. He loved having visitors, and we made sure he was surrounded by family and friends who brought him joy.
In May 2001, Shaun returned home from hospital after being treated for chest infections and generally not feeling well. He began a course of radiotherapy at the Beatson Oncology Centre since chemotherapy wasn’t an option. To protect him during treatment, they made him a special mask to keep him still. Although the radiotherapy targeted the tumour, he continued to suffer from recurring chest infections.
During his hospital visits, I often sat up at night, consumed by the heart-breaking thought of planning his funeral.
In February 2003, I contracted tonsillitis and was extra cautious around Shaun and his sister, Becky, to avoid passing it on. Despite our efforts, Shaun developed a severe sore throat and was admitted to hospital on a Saturday. He stayed there for two days before coming home on the Monday.
We invited family members to visit so Shaun could be surrounded by love and happiness. On Tuesday 25 February, my beautiful boy died at home, age six.
The day Shaun left us was the hardest of our lives, but I hold onto the joy he brought during his short time here. His laughter, smile, and love are what I cherish most. My mum, Mae, and step-dad, Hugh, took his loss especially hard, as they saw him every day. Becky, who was just four years old at the time, doesn’t remember much about her brother, but she loves hearing stories about him and looking at his photos.
To honour Shaun’s memory, we’ve undertaken various fundraising activities, including auctioning off a holiday I won, with proceeds going to Malcolm Sargent House, which supports children with cancer. Becky, now 25, also set up a fundraising page in Shaun’s name. She’s now married, and I’m incredibly proud of the wonderful young woman she has become.
Shaun’s life may have been short, but it was full of love. He continues to inspire us every day to make a difference, and his legacy will always be a source of strength and pride for our family.
Tracy Kier
November 2024
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 Shaun’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