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Rhona Cunningham shares her son Robbie's story not just to honour his memory, but to inspire others facing similar diagnoses and to drive home the urgent need for more research into brain tumours.
Robbie Cunningham was a young man with a passion for life, a brilliant mind, and a heart full of love for his family and friends. At just 24 years old, Robbie was diagnosed with a malignant astrocytoma brain tumour, a diagnosis that would change his life and the lives of those around him forever. After nine years living with the disease, Robbie died in April 2024, just one month before of his 34th birthday.
PICTURED: Robbie Cunningham & Mum, Rhona
Robbie’s cancer began with a sudden grand mal seizure in October 2014, while he was living in Colorado. Tests revealed the presence of a grade 2 brain tumour. Robbie returned to Glasgow, where the tumour was surgically removed. However, the tumour had already progressed to grade 3. Despite undergoing clinical trials, Robbie and his family were informed that the tumour would inevitably return.
Robbie, who had been a student of Chemistry at St. Andrew's University and had moved to Colorado to pursue his dreams, was now facing a traumatic diagnosis. Yet, he did not allow his illness to define him. Robbie returned to Colorado, determined to continue living life on his terms. Unfortunately, the cancer returned, forcing Robbie to come back to Glasgow for further treatment. Despite the best efforts of his medical team, the chemotherapy stopped working, and Robbie's health began to decline.
As the months passed, Robbie’s condition worsened. By the beginning of 2024, he was bedridden and had lost his sight. Despite these challenges, Robbie’s spirit remained strong. He was determined to make it to his 34th birthday in May. Sadly, Robbie passed away on April 2nd, 2024, with his mother, Rhona, by his side.
Robbie's funeral was attended by more than 300 people from all over the world, a testament to the impact he had on the lives of those who knew him. His friends and family remembered him as someone who lived every day with purpose, never allowing his illness to take away his zest for life.
PICTURED: Robbie Cunningham & Mum, Rhona
In sharing Robbie’s story, his mother Rhona hopes to raise awareness and funds for brain tumour research in Scotland. She knows first-hand the devastation that a brain tumour diagnosis can bring, and she is determined to help others who are facing similar battles.
"People may say he lost his fight to cancer, but Robbie didn’t lose—he won," says Rhona. "He lived his life with courage, love, and determination. Our family will never be the same without him, but we hope that by sharing his story, we can help prevent other families from going through the same heartbreak."
By supporting brain tumour research, you can help provide a more hopeful future for those diagnosed with a brain tumour. Robbie's story is a reminder of the importance of continued research and the impact that it can have on the lives of countless individuals and their families.
