In the months leading up to his brain surgery, BBC Scotland journalist Glenn Campbell instinctively began recording his own journey, knowing he might be documenting the final chapters of his life. A career spent telling the stories of others had now led him to confront a deeply personal health battle.
It all began in June 2023, when a bicycle accident resulted in broken ribs. But the true shock came later, when a seizure revealed a much larger health challenge: a cancerous brain tumor. Initially diagnosed as likely glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer with a prognosis of just 12 to 18 months, Campbell’s situation seemed dire.
A Rare Tumor and a Hopeful Twist
Determined not to shy away from his reality, Campbell used his phone to document his experience, not for self-indulgence, but to raise awareness about the rare and often misunderstood condition. “My Brain Tumour And Me,” a TV and iPlayer film, tells his story with an unexpected optimism. Unlike glioblastoma, which often has a grim outlook, Campbell has a rarer form of the disease called oligodendroglioma. This type responds better to treatment, and thanks to an expert brain surgery by Dr. Paul Brennan, Campbell’s tumor was significantly reduced. With ongoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the cancer is stable for now, though regular scans are necessary to monitor any changes.
Campbell has learned to live with the long-term effects of treatment, such as persistent fatigue and the risk of further seizures. A careful routine of naps and medication adjustments has helped manage these symptoms, though the journey has been far from easy.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Seizures
One of the most challenging moments in Campbell’s battle came in December 2023, when a major seizure put him in intensive care. It was a terrifying experience that reminded him of how precarious his life was. Yet, despite the emotional low, Campbell bounced back, supported by his family and medical team, and continued to pursue his love of the outdoors.
His resilience was tested again in March 2024, during a climb in the Scottish Highlands. Just 10 minutes into the ascent, Campbell experienced another seizure, forcing his hiking companion and the emergency services to spring into action. Despite the alarming situation, Campbell’s determination shone through as he recovered in hospital and returned to his outdoor adventures.
The Power of Support and Community
Reflecting on his journey, Campbell emphasized the overwhelming support he has received from his family, friends, and fellow brain tumor patients, like his friend Theo Burrell. “I’m defying the typical odds,” he said, noting that six in 10 people with brain cancer do not survive more than a year beyond diagnosis. With his cancer stable, Campbell continues to focus on staying active, having completed his first nine Munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet) as part of his personal goal to climb all 282 by 2028.
His recovery has been bolstered by his work with Brain Power, a fundraising initiative he founded to help establish a new Brain Tumour Research centre in Scotland. “Well-resourced science can do a lot better, if not for me, then for those who come after,” he said, advocating for continued research into better treatments.
A New Perspective on Life
As Campbell approaches his 50th birthday in 2026, a milestone he once feared he might not reach, he reflects on how far he’s come. What began as a health scare has evolved into a journey of defiance, hope, and resilience. From hiking mountains to celebrating the simple joys of life, including French toast with bacon and maple syrup, Campbell has embraced every moment with gratitude and determination.
Despite the uncertainty of his diagnosis, Glenn Campbell’s story offers a powerful reminder that life, even in the face of an incurable illness, can still hold moments of triumph and meaning.