Graham McKie, 32, complained of severe headaches on Boxing Day before he was diagnosed with grade 4 cancer – and died just seven months later surrounded by his heartbroken family
A woman has paid tribute to her “generous and caring” brother whose Boxing Day headache turned out to be the first sign of a fatal illness that claimed his life seven months later.
Graham McKie, 32, complained of severe headaches on Boxing Day before he was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma and given just 12 to 18 months to live. The heart shattering news came shortly after his younger sister Sharyn Cusack got engaged – so she and her partner brought their wedding date forward to allow Graham to attend. He was able to serve as an usher on her special day, but tragically died months later on August 11, 2006, surrounded by loved-ones. Graham’s family have since come together to raise £50,000 for cancer charities in the hope of contributing to a cure in the future, Glasgow Live reports.
Looking back on her engagement almost twenty years ago, Sharyn, 49, said: “Our initial plan was to be married in November, but after the doctors said we should move things forward due to Graham’s condition, we started to make plans sooner so he could be with us. Arranging the wedding in a short space of time gave us something positive to focus on during that difficult time.
“Although Graham didn’t feel comfortable in himself because of the side effects of his treatment, he still insisted on wearing a kilt to match the rest of the wedding party. That was just who he was, a true gentleman. It was such a special day and meant everything to have Graham there.”
She added: “Graham was the best big brother anyone could ask for. He was generous, caring and would have done anything for me and my sister, Jaclyn, giving us lifts before we could drive, helping with DIY when I got my first flat and always looking out for us. Even during his illness, he stayed strong. He never let it change his spirit. I believe he put on a brave face for all of us, right up to the very end.”
Alongside friends, Sharyn took part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk to raise cash and awareness for research into glioblastoma – the most aggressive and most common type of brain cancer. Brain tumours affect people of all ages, yet just 1% of national cancer research funding has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.
The group raised more than £2,500 in support of the new Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a collaboration between Brain Tumour Research and Beatson Cancer Charity. The centre, based in Glasgow and Edinburgh universities, is focusing on research into glioblastoma.
Sharyn said: “There’s that old saying that time is a healer, but I’m not sure it’s true. You learn to live with the grief, but the feeling of loss never goes away. On birthdays, Christmas, family occasions, there’s always someone missing. Graham’s absence is still deeply felt. Losing him has spurred us on to support others who may be facing the same devastating diagnosis. There is still so little awareness about brain tumours, even though they are one of the biggest cancer killers of young people.
“Before Graham’s diagnosis, I hadn’t even heard of glioblastoma, and very little about brain tumours. Fundraising gives us a sense of purpose, and the new Centre of Excellence opening in Scotland gives us hope that other families won’t have to go through what we did.”
Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Sharyn’s strength and commitment in memory of her brother is incredibly moving. Families like hers are the driving force behind our progress, and we’re so grateful for their support.”
Find out more about Sharyn’s Glasgow Kiltwalk fundraiser here.