David’s story
After David Bentley was diagnosed with a brain tumour, his friend and colleague, Sarah Riley, signed up for a running challenge to support him in his fight and raise funds for Brain Tumour Support. Sadly, David passed away just eight months after diagnosis and Sarah is now running in his memory. Our thanks to Sarah, and David’s family, for sharing their story.
David with Tracy and their children
I was introduced to David Bentley and his wife Tracy just a year ago, with a view to the three of us becoming business partners in the coming years. Sometimes when you meet people you instantly know you’re going to get along and we did just that. He was smart, charismatic, and had a sense of humour that nobody could forget.
We began working together in May 2023 and just a few weeks later in June, Dave received his devastating diagnosis. His headaches and nausea were the symptoms of a brain tumour.
He was admitted to hospital 13th June 2023 and had surgery on 17th June to remove a glioblastoma multiforme on the front right his brain.
After recovering from the surgery, he began both chemotherapy and radiotherapy in August 2023.
Sadly, by December the headaches and sickness had returned. His first post-operation scan revealed massive regrowth of the tumour and treatment was stopped.
Dave fought to keep working and to keep a sense of who he was, spending time with family and friends, going to watch Liverpool at Anfield, squeezing in one last concert in Birmingham, booked before his diagnosis, but his physical strength was declining and he moved to a Sue Ryder Hospice on 9th February. He died peacefully on 15th February, leaving behind his wife Tracy, nine year old son and six year old daughter.
Seeing Dave daily, we chatted about the reality of his prognosis, how he was feeling, and what support he and the family had. It was clear that Brain Tumour Support had been a real help and he was keen to give something back. Another mutual friend convinced me to do the run, and Dave picked the charity to support.
Tracy also explained:
Brain Tumour Support have been an amazing help throughout this time with emotional support and putting us in touch with other families in similar positions.
At the time I entered, we all thought he would be here to see it and I was proud to be running in honour of him. It’s absolutely heartbreaking, that I now have to run it in memory of him. A man who made such an impact on lives of those around him.
Sarah Riley | May 2024
On Sunday 5th May, Sarah is running the Birmingham Half Marathon in memory of David. She has been training hard and says “I may not be about to break any speed records but I shall do my best to cover the distance, even if I cross the line last!”
Her determination is a wonderful tribute to a much loved man, and the funds generously raised in his memory will ensure that other families receive much needed support through the most difficult of times.
Donations to Sarah’s fundraiser can be made online here: Sarah’s Half Marathon for Brain Tumour Support
