Sad news about David Langton-Gilks – HeadSmart inspiration

We are deeply saddened to hear that David (DD) Langton-Gilks, an inspirational supporter of the HeadSmart campaign to reduce diagnosis times of childhood brain tumours, has this morning lost his battle with cancer. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with DD’s family and friends.

Having bravely endured radiotherapy and chemotherapy for five years, DD thought he had beaten his medulloblastoma tumour but was told in May that he had only weeks to live. Taking the news with incredible stoicism and courage, DD aimed to make it to his school leavers’ prom which he attended on June 28.

David at his prom

DD and his mother, Sacha, have been involved with The Brain Tumour Charity (formerly Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust) since 2010 and became passionate and inspiring HeadSmart advocates.

Brain tumours are the leading cause of childhood cancer deaths in the UK, and HeadSmart is raising national awareness of the common signs and symptoms in young people by equipping parents, the public and healthcare professionals with the information they need. Though DD displayed symptoms at the age of 11, he was not diagnosed for more than five weeks, allowing his brain tumour to double in size and decreasing his chances of survival.

After his relapse in May, DD and his family made a YouTube video to promote HeadSmart symptom cards – pocket-sized guidelines for parents and young people on when to see a doctor. This has been viewed over 40,000 times.

Though he will be terribly missed, DD’s brave work to help people better spot the signs of a brain tumour in children and young people will continue to drive and inspire the HeadSmart campaign.

You can find out about brain tumour symptoms on-the-go with a free HeadSmart mobile symptoms guide – text SMART to 81400. If you would like to donate to The Brain Tumour Charity, visit our Ways to make a donation page.