Jamie Kehoe, 31, a father from Stretford, has been given a prognosis of 12 to 18 months to live after being diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumour. The diagnosis came following a series of symptoms beginning in early 2024, initially presenting as numbness and tingling in his mouth.

Kehoe, who formerly worked in marketing, initially sought dental advice when he noticed the unusual sensations. However, when no dental issues were found, and additional symptoms such as balance problems and speech difficulties emerged, he consulted his general practitioner. A cranial nerve examination raised concerns, leading to an urgent referral to Salford Royal Hospital. Subsequent scans revealed a mass on his brain stem, and a biopsy confirmed the presence of glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma is a rapidly progressing malignant brain tumour that typically affects adults and is known for its poor prognosis. Due to the tumour’s location on the brain stem and a rare genetic mutation noted in Kehoe’s case, surgical options were ruled out. Instead, he was referred to The Christie Hospital in Manchester, where he underwent a six-week course of radiotherapy, the standard treatment recommended. Chemotherapy was not pursued due to concerns it would worsen his condition without significantly increasing survival chances.

During treatment, Kehoe and his partner, Hannah, advanced their wedding plans and married in November 2024. Despite the challenges posed by radiotherapy, the couple managed to have a honeymoon in Cornwall. From March 2025 to August of the same year, Kehoe participated in a clinical trial for a new cancer drug aimed at glioblastoma patients, which initially produced positive scan results and improved his condition.

Amid these difficult circumstances, the couple welcomed a son, Elliot, conceived through IVF during this period. Hannah described the birth as a blessing, noting that Elliot’s arrival coincided with a temporary improvement in Jamie’s symptoms.

However, the tumour recurred in March 2026, leading to a renewed prognosis of only months to live. Kehoe underwent a second round of radiotherapy completed in May. The couple have since been focusing on family life while managing the disease’s progression.

In addition to coping with his illness, Kehoe has turned to poetry as a means of expression. Previously a writer of comics and short stories, he released his debut poetry collection, I Used to Write Stories. The book, described as darkly comic rather than a traditional cancer memoir, explores themes from his experience with glioblastoma in unconventional ways. Proceeds from sales support brain tumour research. The collection is available in Kindle format and as an audiobook, narrated by Christian Foley, with additional poems shared on Kehoe’s Instagram account, thegliopoet.

Kehoe is set to host an exhibition of his poetry at Stretford’s Unofficial Museum on King Street on October 17 and 18, where he will engage with visitors and sell physical copies of his work.