About Jake Devline-Reed
Jake Devline-Reed, a dedicated wellbeing, fitness and mental health advocate who uses his social media to highlight these causes, and has featured across media including BBC, FUBAR Radio, Instinct Magazine, The Tab, EDGE and Queerty, was floored by the sudden death of his grandfather – just two weeks after the passing of his grandmother, Pauline, who died from sepsis.
Jake, 29, a personal trainer and water sports enthusiast, said:
“It felt like my whole world was crumbling. We were only just dealing with my nan’s death, when my grandad collapsed the day after her funeral. To hear them say he had a brain tumor and just six months to live was like a punch to the gut. In fact, he died just two weeks later, aged 80.
“My grandparents brought me and my sister up since my dad died when I was 13, so I was really close to both of them. Their deaths have shown me just how fragile and interconnected life can be.”
A special relationship
My grandad was like a soft marshmallow with a big heart. He would do anything for anyone. From working in the factories as child with my loving nan to having his own family run pub in Spain. He always wanted the best for our family."
“I can’t help but think, was he trying to stay strong for us? I really believe he was keeping his symptoms a secret, not wanting to add more burden when my nan was so frail and ill. He wanted to be there for her, even in his own pain. It’s hard to think of how he might have been suffering silently, just to support us in my nan’s final months.
“My grandad was put on a drip to help reduce the swelling in his brain, but honestly, we knew it was a temporary fix. To watch someone so strong and go through this, it was hard to process. In those final weeks, I focused on cherishing the moments we had left together. I remember sitting with him, reminiscing about the family gatherings, laughing over old stories, and just enjoying being together. I took him on short walks in the garden. It’s these memories that matter more than anything else when I look back.”
Looking to the future
The more we talk, the more healing can happen.”
Jake Devline-Reed
Losing both grandparents within weeks of each other was understandably tough to cope with. Jake said:
“It was just me and my sister after losing pretty much my whole world. It was really hard and it felt lonely without them being there.
“Finding healthy ways to heal myself mentally was a way for me to process everything – like my gardening, or walks or hikes.
“It was crucial for me to be honest with myself about how I felt. I allowed myself to cry and grieve, yet I also focused on celebrating the lives of both my grandad and nan. I started journaling to keep their memories alive. While the pain of losing them both may never fully fade, the love I have for them both carries me forward.”
Being open and honest about his grief was crucial to his own healing. And now Jake wants to use his profile to help other families affected by a diagnosis, and shine a light on brain tumours:
“I want to help people understand it’s going to be ok even when you think it’s not. You may feel alone, but you’re never truly alone.
“It’s so important to find people who support you during these tough times. Charities like this one can make a massive difference in everyday lives.
“The more we talk, the more healing can happen.”
We’re looking forward to working with Jake to raise vital awareness and drive urgent change for everyone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis.
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