A Grandad’s Journey Through Battle and Triumph
Chris Shade, a 58-year-old grandfather of two, has spent nearly a decade fighting a rare form of brain cancer. His journey has been marked by resilience, support from loved ones, and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream made possible through the generosity of strangers.
In 2017, Chris first visited his doctor due to persistent tinnitus, which he described as a constant high-pitched noise that was “driving him up the wall.” He also experienced unusual symptoms, such as smelling burning and difficulty speaking. At the time, he attributed these issues to stress over his son, Craig, who was serving in Afghanistan with the Royal Air Force. However, his GP quickly referred him for a brain scan after noticing the severity of his symptoms.
The scan revealed a massive grade two tumour on Chris’ right frontal lobe. He was diagnosed with oligodendroglioma, a rare type of brain cancer that is terminal. Chris said he had never imagined he would face such a diagnosis. “I did not even have any headaches,” he recalled. Despite the shock, he accepted the news with determination, saying, “So what happens next? Bring it on, I am ready for the fight.”
The Fight Begins
In March 2017, Chris underwent emergency surgery at King’s College Hospital in London to remove the tumour. This was just the beginning of a long series of medical interventions. His daughter, Emma Welsh, described the experience as both worrying and distressing. “By some miracle, the doctors were able to remove it, and Dad was home before we knew it,” she said. However, the road to recovery was not easy.
Two weeks later, Chris was readmitted to the hospital due to a serious infection. This led to two more surgeries, including the removal of part of his skull and the placement of a titanium plate to replace the missing bone. His wife, Tina Shade, who has been married to Chris for 40 years, admitted the situation was dire. “It was touch and go at that point. Every surgery, we did not know if he was going to make it.”
Emma added, “We nearly lost him. The stress and upset are hard to describe, but we had to stay hopeful and strong for Dad.”
Ongoing Struggles and Hope
By the end of 2020, Chris received devastating news that another tumour had begun to grow. He underwent further surgery to remove it. Six months later, a third tumour was detected, but his doctors decided against additional surgery, opting instead to monitor his condition and encourage him to create memories with his family.
Chris then embarked on a 10-month treatment plan, which included six weeks of radiotherapy and several months of chemotherapy. These treatments, while not curative, aimed to shrink the tumours and extend his life. “The treatments are to extend my life; they cannot cure me,” Chris explained. “The doctors say it is like putting the tumours to sleep, and because it has worked, we know what to hit it with each time.”
Despite the uncertainty of his future, Chris remains determined. “I do not know how long I have. I could have one year, five years, or 15 years. I have had every scan and treatment they can offer me. I have the fight in me.”
Fulfilling a Lifelong Dream
Throughout his battle, Chris’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money for him to experience his lifelong dream: flying in a Spitfire at Biggin Hill. They raised over £3,000, but due to his ongoing health challenges, the flight had to be postponed. Chris also needed to lose five and a half stone, which he had gained during treatment, before he could take to the skies.
Last month, Chris, who has been supported by Brain Tumour Support and the Tonbridge-based charity Babons Cancer Support, finally achieved his dream. He took to the air in a World War II plane, an experience he described as “a bucket list moment.”
“I am so grateful to all the people who donated and came along on the day. Everyone was so generous,” Chris said. “It was an amazing day, I cannot express it.”
A Message of Hope
Tina expressed her pride in Chris’s strength and resilience. “We have had dark days, but we always try to stay positive and laugh. It has been life-changing. Now, we are focusing on making memories and using the time we have been given.”
Chris hopes his story will inspire others. “I hope my story gives people hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You can fight this.” His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, love, and the kindness of strangers.
