Dad's vision problems 'put down to stress' - it was actually a brain tumour

Jason Dullaghan was prescribed antihistamines after complaining of vision problems

A father tragically passed away from a brain tumour after his initial symptoms were dismissed as stress-related. Jason Dullaghan, 54, started having vision problems seven years ago, but his GP reportedly attributed this to stress and prescribed antihistamines.

However, a private MRI scan provided through his work later revealed the heartbreaking reality - a stage 4 glioma growing on his brain stem. He was given a prognosis of six to 24 months, but he defied expectations as his tumour seemed to stabilise and even shrink.

Jason switched to a vegan diet and started using CBD oil in an attempt to improve his long-term prognosis. But in October 2022, a routine scan detected a second tumour on his temporal lobe.

In November 2023, Jason suffered a seizure and spent his last months in a care home before passing away on July 9, 2024. His wife, Alison, 43, from Chorley, Lancashire, said: "The doctors and I both thought it might be tiredness or stress.

"When the MRI results came through, it felt like the world collapsed. I had just given birth to our son, George, and suddenly we were being told Jason had an incurable tumour in his brain stem and was given a prognosis of six to 24 months.

"The doctors were clear that they couldn't operate because of its location, and we should prepare for the worst. But we weren't willing to give up."

Jason, a project manager, started experiencing vision problems in late 2016. Following a private scan in February 2017 that revealed a brain tumour, Jason underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy at The Christie in Manchester. However, the chemotherapy was halted after just two days due to severe side effects.

Over time, his tumour seemed to stabilise and even shrink, allowing Jason to return to part-time work between 2019 and 2022 with MRI scans showing stability. In 2022, a second tumour was discovered, leading to Jason being unable to drive and suffering increasing instability while walking. He opted out of further chemotherapy due to the previous adverse reaction.

"That final year was the hardest," his wife Alison said. "Jason became confused and distant. He wasn't himself anymore. It was heart-breaking for the children, especially our youngest, George, who was just a baby when Jason was first diagnosed. Seeing someone you love disappear in front of you is something I wouldn't wish on anyone."

In November 2023, following a serious seizure, Jason was moved to a care home near Moor Park in Preston, spending his last months there. As his health deteriorated further, he became unable to walk without help or consume solid food. Tragically, Jason passed away on July 9, 2024, at 54 yearsof age, with Alison and family by his side.

In a tribute to Jason, his oldest son Danny held a commemorative fishing contest at Moss Farm Fisheries in Irlam, with Jason being a long-term member there. The event attracted 80 fishing enthusiasts and succeeded in gathering £795 for Brain Tumour Research, a charity dear to the family.

Alison and her offspring are gearing up for a 5K Race for Life on June 7, 2025 opposite the nursing home where Jason spent his last days, aiming to boost funds for the cause.

Alison said: "Jason fought so hard for so long. We had more time than we were told we'd get, and I'm grateful for that. But there's still so little funding and so few answers in researching brain tumours.

"I'm walking in Jason's memory and to raise money and awareness so that, one day, other families don't have to go through what we did. I also want to give hope to others that a prognosis isn't final, Jason's journey is proof of that."

Brain Tumour Research's community development manager Ashley McWilliams added: "Jason's story highlights both the devastation of a brain tumour diagnosis and the extraordinary strength families show in the face of it."

McWilliams also remarked: "We're incredibly grateful to Alison, her children and the wider family for turning their grief into something so powerful. Their fundraising and openness are helping us drive the change that's so urgently needed."

For those who wish to contribute to Alison's fundraising efforts, donations can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/alison-saul-dullaghan-1.