Dad, 27, died of brain cancer after being misdiagnosed with anxiety

Keith Evans was just 21 when he collapsed during a suspected panic attack in February 2010.

The man was then diagnosed with anxiety and told to “breathe”.

Although he was interviewing for a job at the time, his parents thought that this diagnosis seemed “odd”.

Unfortunately, his symptoms didn’t stop there and he developed painful headaches.

Weeks later during a GP visit, he was referred for an MRI scan that identified a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumour, known as a glioblastoma.

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Despite being given just six months to live, Keith managed to survive five-and-half years.

Sadly, he died aged just 27 years in October 2015, leaving behind his widow, Harriet Evans, and their one-year-old son.

Keith’s mum, Lorraine, from Bulkington, Warwickshire, said: “We felt like paranoid parents.

“Although at the time he was interviewing for a new job, we thought this could have caused some unrest but being told he was having panic attacks seemed odd.

“After multiple occasions where we called 999, we were told the same thing and Keith was given ways to manage his anxiety.”

Throughout his cancer battle, he made “dramatic changes” to his lifestyle and took up cycling as he was no longer allowed to drive.

Lorraine said: “He made a name for himself within the cycling community. A favourite event which came about inspired by his journey was called Ride on Keith.

“He got to take part in the event before coming off his bike due to a seizure in 2015. Soon his mobility deteriorated, and a scan showed the tumour had returned.”

Following his diagnosis, Keith raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity while undergoing radiotherapy and life-long chemotherapy treatment.

This weekend, dozens of cyclists are expected to take part in the final bike ride to mark the memory of the father-of-one from Bulkington and raise funds for Brain Tumour Research.

The final Ride on Keith event will take place this Saturday (June 10). The children’s friendly cycle ride will set off from Makins Fishery on Bazzard Road at 8:30am.

Amongst the riders will be Keith’s widow and their son Joel, who is now 10 years old.

Since its inception, the event has raised more than £7,500 for Brain Tumour Research.

Lorraine added: “He achieved so much in the five-and-half-years he survived, including cycling 275 miles from London to Paris and covering the 1,000-mile route from  Land’s End to John O’Groats over a 10-day period – all during treatment. 

“Since his death, the event has been a fantastic way to remember him and this year we hope to create lasting memories whilst raising money for Brain Tumour Research.

“Although this is the last event of its kind, we will continue to work with the charity to raise awareness for more research into the disease.”

Mel Tiley, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re grateful to Keith’s family for sharing his story.

“It’s wonderful to hear of everything Keith achieved after receiving a shocking diagnosis.

“His story reminds us that brain tumours are indiscriminate, and they can affect anyone and any age.

“If we are to understand the complexity of each diagnosis, we need more funding to research the disease.”