In November 2022, Kieran was diagnosed with a brain tumour which began with symptoms of headaches and sickness that were noticeable for a couple of weeks. For someone so sporty, athletic, and always on the go, it was unlike Kieran to stay in bed or not have much of an appetite, so his mum decided to take him to Warrington Hospital where they were told there was a mass on Kieran’s brain. At first, doctors thought it could be meningitis, but Kieran was very quickly referred to the Walton Centre, where he underwent four brain surgeries in the space of just six weeks. Which included, a craniotomy to take a biopsy, and it was this that confirmed his diagnosis.
Kieran began treatment of radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Clatterbridge, he started chemotherapy in January 2023 and approached every day with quiet determination. Despite the toll the treatment took on his body, Kieran continued to be a fighter, taking it day by day, always with a smile on his face. Abbie, his partner, and his mum Lisa as well as friends and family, supported him in every way they could, researching supplements, offering advice, and being by his side to encourage him through each hurdle. In November 2023, they were told his liver was struggling from the impact of treatment and that continuing with this could be fatal.
Unable to carry on with chemotherapy, Kieran had 18 precious months without treatment. During that time, he rebuilt his strength. He climbed mountains, cycled, and embraced the outdoors and even got a dog. In May 2025, Kieran and partner Abbie moved into their first home together. Sadly, later that year they were told the tumour was growing back, and chemotherapy began once more. Even when he was feeling poorly, Kieran’s drive never left him. He was still out walking the dog and still pushing himself forward, but sadly after a trip to Glasgow in September 2025 to celebrate Abbie’s birthday, she sensed something wasn’t right.
For Kieran’s family, St. Rocco’s already held deep meaning. In 2024, his mum Lisa had been cared for there after a sudden and aggressive cancer spread to her lungs and kidneys. She sadly died at the hospice in August that year which meant St. Rocco’s already held memories for their family, having already experienced the death of a loved one. It was through the care shown for Lisa during that time which prompted them to want Kieran to spend the last few weeks of his life at the hospice.
“Even when Kieran was going through all of this, he still visited his mum with a big smile on his face. This is why we want to give so much back to St. Rocco’s. We did not realise the importance of fundraising to keep this care going until now.”
In November 2025, Kieran came to St. Rocco's Hospice for a week. He stabilised, and evenings were spent side by side with his loved ones watching I’m A Celebrity, and Abbie sleeping in the chair next to him. He was well enough to return home for a short while, where together Kieran and Abbie put up their Christmas tree, filled the house with treats, and watched Christmas films. When Kieran became unwell again, he returned to the hospice, spending his final two weeks in the Sunflower room, surrounded by visitors, laughter, and love and of course, their dog.
“I’m glad Kieran was able to be cared for at St. Rocco’s, the nurses were all amazing, the nurses got to know his cheeky personality and were happy for us to bring in a Christmas tree and decorate the room. Nothing was ever too much trouble.”
Abbie was able to stay by Kieran’s side throughout day and night, and they were both provided with freshly cooked meals. Volunteers popped in with tea and biscuits, offering conversation that gently broke up long days. The
Complementary Therapy Team gave Kieran massages, he especially loved the foot massages. The nursing team also brought Kieran outside on his bed for the Light Up a Life event so he could watch the Christmas tree light switch, he was surrounded by his family and friends, huddled under umbrellas to keep Kieran dry.
Kieran’s loved ones were also grateful for the Family Room space at the hospice, they would gather for meals together, never feeling rushed, “One evening, Kieran was able to join us in the kitchen for a Nando’s, it was little touches like that that made us really appreciate him being at the hospice.”
Kieran sadly died at the hospice on 14th December 2025, just over three years after his diagnosis. Abbie was grateful to be able to stay with him by his side throughout his stay, which was comforting, and they were able to record Kieran’s heartbeat for our Memory Bears which was a special and thoughtful touch. “Our dog likes to chew all of his toys, however with the Memory Bear he knows not to touch it, it has Kieran’s scent on, and I play it every night and watch his ears perk up while he listens to it.”
Kieran’s Krew was created following Kieran’s diagnosis to raise awareness and funds for brain tumour charities. They purchased a hyperbaric oxygen tank that supported Kieran for two years after his diagnosis and since it started, Kieran’s Krew have raised more than £57,000 through events including bingo nights, Pretty Muddy with 150 runners, a charity ball, head shaves and even a skydive.
As part of Abbie’s continued support of St. Rocco’s, following Kieran’s death, she has since donated care packages for patients and loved ones, inspired by the thoughtful toiletries she was given during her stay with Kieran. Using funds raised, Kieran’s Krew have also purchased a single bed for the Inpatient Unit at St. Rocco’s, so that other family members and loved ones can have the opportunity to sleep next to patients whilst they are receiving care at the hospice. The bed that Abbie slept on in the Sunflower room was a huge part of her stay, not only did it fit next to Kieran’s hospital bed so that Abbie could sleep next to him holding his hand, it was also a place for his family and friends to just have a moment with him when he was in his final days.
“St. Rocco’s is an incredible place, and we just want to keep supporting it.”
Kieran’s Krew still continues to keep raising awareness and money in 2026, with more mountains being climbed, triathlons being completed in his memory and awareness being raised within the Brain Tumour Community.
Thank you to Abbie, and Kieran’s loved ones for supporting St. Rocco’s Hospice and sharing their legacy and story.
If you would like to share a story about your experience at St. Rocco’s, please contact our Marketing Team on E: marketingteam@stroccos.org.uk, T: 01925 575780, or to find out more about ways you can support the future of hospice care, click here.
Share Article