A 42-year-old father is fighting for his life after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor — just weeks after suffering severe headaches at his baby son’s first birthday party.
Elliot Godfrey, who lives in Waddesdon, England, started experiencing painful migraines during a family vacation to Mexico back in March. At the time, he believed they were due to stress and the exhaustion of new parenthood. But during the celebration for his son Aein’s first birthday, the pain became so intense that friends urged him to seek medical help.
Shortly after, scans revealed that Godfrey had stage 4 glioblastoma — a fast-growing and incurable brain cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, glioblastoma is one of the most serious forms of brain tumors, with limited treatment options and low survival rates.
Doctors offered surgery but warned that it came with serious risks. “They told me there was a 20% chance I might not survive the operation,” Godfrey said. “That was terrifying to hear with my family right there beside me.”
A former professional golfer who now runs a golf club called Pitch, Godfrey began researching his diagnosis online. What he found was grim. “One of the first things that popped up was a nickname — ‘Terminator cancer’ — and that hit me hard,” he said.
Statistics show most people with glioblastoma live between 12 and 18 months after diagnosis, and the chances of surviving five years are only about 5%.
When Godfrey returned home after his diagnosis, he noticed the balloon from his son’s birthday still floating in the living room. “I looked at it and thought, will I be around when he turns two? What about four? I just want to be here for as long as I can for him.”
Despite the risks, Godfrey went ahead with surgery, which successfully removed most of the tumor — about 95%. He’s now undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, and is actively exploring experimental options, including immunotherapy, to extend his life.
He and his wife Jess have launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the costs of advanced treatments. “I just need more time,” he said.
The emotional toll has been intense not just for Godfrey, but for everyone around him. “One of the hardest parts is seeing your loved ones in pain. You feel like you’ve let them down somehow,” he admitted. “But I’m so grateful for my support system. Jess has been my rock — I didn’t think I could love her more, but I do now. She’s been incredible.
