A comic book artist who used his experiences of having a brain tumour to create a series of comic books to help others has died.
Gordon Shaw, 42, from Edinburgh, was diagnosed with a low-grade brain tumour at the age of 32, but in December 2021, his tumour progressed to a glioblastoma (GBM) and he was given just months to live.
He died on Sunday 11 September 2022 with his partner, Shawn Puller, by his side.
Shawn wrote on Facebook: “For the past week Gordon’s brother Craig and I have held vigil, wept tears, shared laughter and surrounded Gordon with love.
“Many thanks to those who sent messages, videos or stopped in to tell stories, hold his hand and reminisce. He was heroic. Truly, truly heroic.
“The world is a better place for having had Gordon in it. I am a better man due to his love.”
Gordon’s brother, Craig Shaw, wrote: “I can't put into words how much we all loved him, he was an incredible young man who not only fought this horrible disease for ten years but went out his way to help others along that journey. To say I'm proud of him really doesn't seem enough.”
After his diagnosis, Gordon published five comic books including Bittersweet in which Gordon opened up about his own experience with cancer. His story was the focus of a BBC film Long Live My Happy Head which premiered at the BFI Flare Festival and was shown in cinemas across the UK.
The producer/directors of production company Melt The Fly, Will Hewitt and Austen McCowan said: “Gordon will be remembered for the beautiful and insightful comics and artwork he created which will continue to comfort and inspire all those who come into contact with it.
“Long Live His Happy Head.”
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