Richard Gospel thought it was down to the physical nature of his job
Richard Gospel(Image: Brain Tumour Research/SWNS)
A farmer who put shooting pains in his back down to his job discovered his symptoms were caused by an aggressive brain tumour. Richard Gospel, 44, started experiencing pins and needles in the back of his head and shooting pains in 2023.
Putting it down to the “physical demands” of his job as a livestock farmer, several months later, in January 2024, his issues escalated when he started to experience double vision while driving, leaving him “feeling concerned”. Richard was sent for an eye test and that detected pressure behind his right eye.
He was referred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Scotland, where an MRI scan revealed a cancerous brain tumour. Richard was diagnosed with grade 4 astrocytoma – an aggressive tumour which forms from the astrocyte cells in the brain.
On January 24, 2024, he underwent brain surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, which successfully removed the high-grade parts of the tumour. He then underwent six weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to shrink the remaining tumour and a second surgery to remove what was left in December 2024.
After more chemotherapy in March 2025, Richard, who lives with wife Catherine, 42, a nurse, is now awaiting a scan in September 2025 to see if the treatment has been successful and the cancer is gone.
Richard Gospel in hospital(Image: Brain Tumour Research/SWNS)
Richard from Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire, said: “Being a farmer is a really physical job, so something was always aching. Being told it was a tumour was a massive shock.
“Everything from there happened so quickly. Farming involves so much long-term planning, but a brain tumour brings so much uncertainty.
“The worst thing was having to sell my sheep in the middle of lambing season because I could no longer look after them. I had to make a really quick decision. I still have some cattle, but I’ve really had to scale down. I recovered really well from surgery, but I suffered a seizure just a few days later at home.”
Richard Gospel with his partner Catherine McKenzie(Image: Brain Tumour Research/SWNS)
Catherine said: “I’m so proud of Richard and everything he’s been through. As a farmer, he has not taken well to having to slow down and take it easy, and having to give up driving has been very isolating for him.
“He is still working and managing to do bits around the farm, which is keeping him going. His last scan was very reassuring, so we’re hoping his next will be the same and then hopefully he’ll get a bit of a break in treatment for a while.”
On August 10, Richard and Catherine climbed 1,155m to reach the top of Lochnagar Munro, Aberdeenshire, and have raised over £1,000 for Brain Tumour Research.
Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Richard’s story is a powerful example of how devastating a brain tumour diagnosis is. His resilience and determination to turn his experience into action is deeply inspiring. We’re incredibly grateful for his support and advocacy.”
To donate to Richard’s fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/page/catherinemckenzie2