A young woman tragically passed away after what initially seemed to be stress-induced headaches turned out to be cancer.
Graham Hood, 62, recounted how his daughter Cara, 18, began suffering from migraines in the spring of 2024. Initially assumed to be related to exam stress, the headaches persisted into the summer months. In August, the family received the devastating news that she had medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor.
Despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Cara’s health deteriorated over the following year, leading to her passing on November 8, 2025, at the age of 18. Graham is now sharing their story as he prepares to participate in a 56.7-mile charity cycle ride in memory of Cara, alongside his son Rory, 21.
The family initially attributed Cara’s symptoms to exam stress, but as her condition worsened, they sought medical help. After multiple visits to the GP and tests, Cara was diagnosed with a brain tumor affecting her vomiting reflex. Following surgery to remove the tumor, the family hoped for a non-malignant outcome but were later informed it was an aggressive cancer, medulloblastoma.
Subsequent treatments, including proton beam therapy and chemotherapy, were administered, but the cancer returned, spreading to her brain and spine. Despite their efforts, Cara’s health rapidly declined, and she eventually passed away on November 8.
Graham is now actively fundraising for Brain Tumour Research through a cycling event, having already raised over £6,700. Reflecting on their journey, Graham expressed the challenges of detecting the illness early and emphasized the importance of supporting families facing similar struggles with younger children affected by such conditions.
