How a childhood brain tumour diagnosis changed David Walker’s life, from years of unexplained headaches to learning to live with the long-term effects of craniopharyngioma.
For eight years, David Walker experienced severe headaches, blackouts, exhaustion and problems with his growth. Despite numerous medical appointments, nobody could explain what was happening.
His symptoms began when he was just six years old. By the time doctors discovered the cause, David was 14 and had spent much of his childhood living with a brain tumour nobody knew was there.
In February 2006, he was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma, a rare type of brain tumour that develops near the pituitary gland.
Although treatment eventually brought his tumour under control, the effects of surgery would remain part of his everyday life.
When David shared his story with Aunty M Brain Tumours in 2019, he spoke about his diagnosis, the challenges of living with hormone deficiencies, the animals that helped him recover and why he believes nobody should have to face a brain tumour alone.
Eight Years of Headaches and Unexplained Symptoms
David’s symptoms began at the age of six.
He regularly experienced severe headaches, sometimes lasting for weeks. They initially occurred around twice a year and were thought to be migraines.
However, as he grew older, the headaches became increasingly difficult to manage.
Eventually, he began experiencing blackouts.
Many of these episodes happened at school or while he was staying with relatives, which meant his parents did not always see how seriously the symptoms were affecting him.
Alongside the headaches and blackouts, David was constantly exhausted.
He also struggled with his physical development, growing only around 10 centimetres over four years.
Despite these warning signs, his family struggled to get an explanation.
By 2005, after years of appointments and uncertainty, his parents were even told that David might be attention seeking.
For a child who had spent years dealing with symptoms he could not control, it was an incredibly difficult situation.
His family knew something was wrong. They simply did not know what.
The MRI Scan That Finally Revealed a Brain Tumour
In late 2005, David finally underwent an MRI scan.
After years of uncertainty, doctors discovered a brain tumour.
Further investigations identified it as a craniopharyngioma, a rare tumour situated close to the pituitary gland.
Suddenly, many of the symptoms David had experienced throughout childhood began to make sense.
The tumour had affected the pituitary region, which plays an important role in regulating growth, hormones and other essential bodily functions.
David underwent a craniotomy in February 2006, when he was just 14 years old.
A craniotomy involves temporarily removing part of the skull so surgeons can access the brain.
For David, surgery was a major turning point. But although the tumour could be treated, its effects on his body were far from over.
What Is a Craniopharyngioma?
A craniopharyngioma is a rare brain tumour that develops near the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, two important structures involved in regulating hormones and other bodily functions.
Craniopharyngiomas are generally considered non-cancerous, but that does not mean they are harmless.
Their location can make them difficult to treat, and they can affect essential functions, including:
- Growth and physical development
- Hormone production
- Vision
- Hunger and appetite regulation
- Energy levels and fatigue
- Sleep and other bodily functions
Treatment may involve surgery, radiotherapy or ongoing monitoring, depending on the individual tumour and the person’s circumstances.
Some people also require long-term hormone replacement and specialist follow-up.
David’s experience demonstrates why even a non-cancerous brain tumour can have a significant impact on someone’s life.
The Connection to Russell Watson
Craniopharyngioma is a relatively rare diagnosis, but David shares something in common with a familiar name.
British singer Russell Watson was also diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma.
Although their individual experiences are different, their stories help highlight how a tumour in this part of the brain can affect someone’s health and everyday life.
For David, raising awareness of this less well-known tumour type is an important part of telling his story.
Life After Craniopharyngioma Surgery
Following treatment, David was told that his tumour appeared to have gone.
However, he continued attending regular MRI scans, approximately every 30 months, to monitor for any changes.
While this was reassuring, it did not mean that life had returned to the way it was before his diagnosis.
During surgery, David’s hypothalamus had been severely damaged.
The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating several important functions, including hunger, thirst, body temperature and aspects of hormone control.
For David, one of the consequences was losing his normal sensation of feeling full after eating.
This made managing his weight particularly challenging.
He also developed several hormone-related difficulties that required daily medication.
These affected his thyroid, adrenal and other hormone-regulated systems.
Although his tumour appeared to be under control, the treatment had left him with lifelong health considerations.
It is an important part of David’s story because surviving a brain tumour does not always mean the end of treatment or medical care.
Sometimes recovery involves learning how to manage a body that works differently from before.
Living With Fatigue After a Brain Tumour
One of David’s biggest ongoing challenges was fatigue.
Brain tumour-related fatigue can be very different from ordinary tiredness. It may affect concentration, physical energy and someone’s ability to manage everyday activities.
For David, even working full-time meant carefully managing his energy.
He described needing to set aside part of his week simply to rest and recover.
Despite these challenges, he continued working in a call centre, helping customers manage their bills and financial difficulties.
He took particular satisfaction in knowing he had made life a little easier for people going through difficult circumstances.
For David, his work was not simply about earning a living. Helping other people gave him a sense of purpose.
The Dogs That Helped David Through Recovery
One of the most touching parts of David’s story is the role his dogs played in his life after brain surgery.
Shortly before his diagnosis, David’s family welcomed a dog named Oscar.
Oscar became an important companion during his recovery.
He encouraged David to get outside, remain active and enjoy the small everyday moments that can become especially meaningful after serious illness.
Playing with Oscar and taking part in ordinary family activities helped David gradually regain some normality.
Sadly, Oscar died in a road traffic accident in 2013.
His loss was devastating for the family.
Years later, another dog named Rusty came into David’s life.
Rusty looked remarkably similar to Oscar and even shared some of his personality traits.
David found comfort in their similarities and felt that Rusty had arrived at just the right time.
For anyone who has experienced illness or a long recovery, this part of his story may feel particularly familiar.
Support does not always come from formal rehabilitation or medical appointments.
Sometimes companionship, routine and having a reason to get out of bed can make a meaningful difference.
Finding Confidence After Brain Surgery
Although David was only 14 when he underwent surgery, he was determined to continue with his education and take part in new experiences.
One achievement he was particularly proud of was completing his Year 9 SATs following his operation.
His determination was recognised when he received the SAFC Shining Through Award.
He also completed a work experience placement with Durham Archaeological Services through Durham University.
These experiences helped build his confidence during a period when he was still adjusting to everything that had happened.
For David, recovery was not only about medical treatment.
It was also about discovering what he could still achieve.
The Emotional Challenges of Surviving a Brain Tumour
While much of David’s story reflects his humour and determination, he also spoke openly about the emotional challenges of survivorship.
Living through a brain tumour diagnosis at such a young age changed the way he thought about life.
There were times when he questioned what might have happened if he had not survived his operation, or how different his childhood might have been without the tumour.
Those thoughts were not always easy to manage.
However, over time, David developed a way of reminding himself that he could not change what had happened.
What he could do was focus on how he wanted to live moving forward.
He also remembered the friends he had made during treatment, including some who sadly did not survive their illnesses.
Their experiences remained with him and encouraged him to make the most of his own life.
David wanted his life to mean something, not only for himself but also for the people around him.
Why Family Means So Much to David
Family has remained central to David’s life.
He spoke fondly about his nieces and nephews and the happiness they brought him.
Having experienced serious illness so young, he had developed a strong appreciation for spending time with the people he loved.
He also wanted to make a positive difference to others.
Whether through his work, his family relationships or fundraising, David believed that even small acts of kindness could have a lasting impact.
His ambition was not necessarily to do something extraordinary.
It was to leave the world a little better than he found it.
Giving Back Through Brain Tumour Fundraising
In 2007, just a year after his operation, David helped launch the first official fundraising event for Sara’s Hope Foundation.
The charity supports children affected by cancer and their families by providing adapted holiday opportunities.
The event, called Walk of Hope, included a fancy-dress karaoke fundraiser organised through his family’s pub.
The theme was The Village People.
However, with too many people choosing the same characters, David ended up attending dressed as a vicar instead!
It is a lovely detail that captures his sense of humour.
Even after everything he had experienced, David found ways to bring people together, have fun and support families going through difficult times.
David’s Advice for People Facing a Brain Tumour Diagnosis
Having experienced years of unexplained symptoms, major brain surgery and the long-term consequences of treatment, David had valuable advice for other patients and their families.
Ask Questions and Take Someone With You
David encouraged people to take someone they trust to important medical appointments.
Receiving frightening news can make it difficult to remember information or think of questions.
Having another person present, along with a notebook, can help patients understand what has been discussed and what happens next.
He also believed that nobody should feel pressured to appear brave all the time.
Fear, worry and uncertainty are understandable responses to a brain tumour diagnosis.
Support Recovery Without Taking Away Independence
David also had an important message for families and carers.
Although people recovering from brain surgery may need considerable support, they should still be encouraged to regain as much independence as possible, at their own pace.
For David, being able to take part in everyday activities mattered.
Whether that meant completing a puzzle, helping with household tasks or walking the dog, he felt that manageable activities could help rebuild confidence.
Of course, everyone’s recovery is different, and activities should always reflect their abilities, medical advice and individual needs.
Find People Who Understand
One of the strongest messages from David’s experience was the importance of connection.
He encouraged people affected by brain tumours to talk openly with family and friends and seek out support groups.
Meeting other people who understand the uncertainty, fatigue and lasting effects of treatment can make an enormous difference.
A brain tumour diagnosis can feel incredibly isolating, particularly when the condition is rare.
Finding others who understand can help people feel less alone.
Looking Beyond a Brain Tumour Diagnosis
David’s story is about far more than a craniopharyngioma.
It is about a little boy who spent eight years experiencing symptoms nobody could explain.
It is about a teenager who underwent brain surgery and had to adjust to lifelong changes in his health.
And it is about an adult who continued working, supporting his family, raising money for charity and finding happiness in the companionship of his dogs.
His tumour may have been considered non-cancerous, but the effects were anything but insignificant.
David’s experience highlights something that deserves greater recognition: the challenges of living beyond a brain tumour diagnosis can continue long after treatment has finished.
For some people, this means managing fatigue. For others, it involves hormone replacement, changes in weight, emotional difficulties or ongoing medical appointments.
There is no single way to recover from a brain tumour.
David’s story is a reminder of the importance of listening to symptoms, recognising the long-term effects of treatment and supporting people throughout their lives, not just at diagnosis.
Above all, it shows how much family, friendship, purpose and a little humour can mean when life takes an unexpected direction.
Thank you to David Walker for sharing his experiences with Aunty M Brain Tumours and helping others understand what it means to live with a craniopharyngioma.
Read More Craniopharyngioma Stories
David’s experience is just one of many different journeys following a craniopharyngioma diagnosis.
You can read more personal experiences from people affected by this rare brain tumour in our Craniopharyngioma Stories collection.
Every person’s diagnosis, treatment and recovery will be different, but sharing our experiences can help others feel less alone.
Where to Go After a Craniopharyngioma Diagnosis
If you or someone you care about has recently been diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma, there are organisations that can provide reliable information, emotional support and practical advice.
The Pituitary Foundation
Provides information and support for people affected by pituitary conditions, including craniopharyngioma and hormone-related difficulties.
The Brain Tumour Charity
Offers information about brain tumour diagnoses, treatment, recovery and support for patients and families.
Brainstrust
Provides personalised support to people affected by brain tumours, including help navigating treatment decisions and life after diagnosis.
Brain Tumour Support
Offers practical and emotional support for individuals and families affected by brain tumours.
RNIB
Provides support for people experiencing sight loss or visual difficulties, which can sometimes occur with tumours near the pituitary gland.
Your NHS Specialist Team
Depending on your circumstances, you may need ongoing support from neurosurgery, endocrinology, ophthalmology or rehabilitation services.
Speak to your hospital team or GP about appropriate follow-up care and support.
This personal story reflects David’s experiences when he shared them in 2019. It is intended to raise awareness and provide peer support, not replace individual medical advice.
Claire Bullimore is an influential figure in the brain tumour community. She embarked on her brain tumour journey and was diagnosed with an intraventricular meningioma. In response to her experiences, Claire founded ‘Aunty M Brain Tumours,’ a platform dedicated to sharing brain tumour stories. Based in London, England, Claire also identifies as a blogger and speaker for Aunty M Brain Tumours, shedding light on the challenges faced by those diagnosed and amplifying their voices for better awareness and support. Through her dedication and advocacy, Claire’s efforts have been recognized by Brain Tumour Research and other organizations, spotlighting her commitment to making a positive difference for individuals impacted by brain tumours.
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