Dean Miskelly tragically died aged 51 after being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour
Dean and Amy pictured in March 2020(Image: Brain Tumour Research)
A local Girlguiding group has created a new challenge badge in memory of a dad-of-four who tragically died from an aggressive brain cancer. Dean Miskelly, of Tetney, was diagnosed with glioblastoma – an incurable brain tumour – after suffering a sudden seizure in February 2020.
Though he underwent a range of treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Dean’s condition gradually worsened and he sadly died on September 19, 2022, aged 51. Dean’s wife Amy is now sharing his story during Brain Tumour Awareness Month while local Girlguiding groups fundraise in his memory in support of Brain Tumour Research.
Since Dean’s death, Amy and the local community – including the Girlguiding groups in Tetney, where their daughter Mollie has been involved since the age of seven and Amy herself helped reopen the unit during the pandemic in 2020 – have been honouring his memory by raising funds for research into brain tumours. The group has since grown, with a Rangers unit launched 18 months ago.
Together, they have created the Dean Miskelly Triple Challenge badge, encouraging girls to take part in activities while learning about the disease and supporting fundraising efforts. The groups have also taken part in Wear A Hat Day and put on a bake sale, with hopes of raising hundreds of pounds for the charity.
Amy said: “Dean was the kindest, most caring and helpful person you could ever meet. He would do anything for anyone and was always the first to lend a hand if someone needed help.
“He loved being part of the community and was always involved in Girl Guides and Sea Scouts, helping wherever he could. When he was diagnosed, our whole world changed overnight.
“At first, we were told very little and there was so much uncertainty. Even as he went through treatment, we never really knew what the future would hold.”
Dean, Amy, and their children, taken March 2020(Image: Brain Tumour Research)
During his treatment, Dean underwent an awake craniotomy at Hull Royal Infirmary in early 2021, followed by six weeks of radiotherapy and ongoing chemotherapy. Although treatment initially helped, he was left with lasting side effects, including speech difficulties and reduced mobility, and his health continued to decline over time.
In April the following year, Dean became seriously ill with complications including sepsis. After a period in hospital and care at St Andrew’s Hospice, he returned home, where Amy and their four children cared for him during the final months of his life.
Amy added: “Those months were incredibly difficult, but also very precious because he was at home with us. We found ways to communicate and still share moments together as a family.
“Losing him at just 51 feels incredibly unfair. He should still be here to see our children grow up.”
The Dean Miskelly Triple Challenge badge(Image: Brain Tumour Research)
Speaking of her husband’s legacy, Amy said: “Dean gave so much to his community, so it means a lot to see people coming together in his memory. Brain tumours take far too many people far too young – my husband was only 51 when he died, which is no age at all.
“We are taking part in Wear A Hat Day with pride and I will continue to do what I can to support research and raise awareness because, one day, hopefully, there will be a cure.”
Brain tumours can affect anyone at any age and kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer. However, Brain Tumour Research say just 1 per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.
Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Dean’s story highlights the devastating impact a brain tumour diagnosis can have, not only on the person affected but on their entire family and community. It is incredibly inspiring to see Amy and the local Girlguiding groups turning their loss into something positive by raising funds and awareness.
2nd Tetney Guides celebrating Wear a Hat Day and supporting Brain Tumour Research(Image: Brain Tumour Research)
“Greater investment in research is urgently needed to improve outcomes for patients. Community initiatives like this play a vital role in helping us move closer to finding a cure. We’re encouraging people to get involved in Wear A Hat Day and support our work to help fund vital research and bring us closer to a cure Wear A Hat, Raise Money, Change Lives.”
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.
The charity is calling for a national annual spend of £35-million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia.
To support Wear A Hat Day, you can donate here.
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