A 19-year-old man from Aberdare, South Wales, has died after a battle with a rare and aggressive brain tumour, just months after his initial symptoms were misdiagnosed. Jac Sexton had recently begun his career as a barber when he started to experience concerning health issues, including dizziness, double vision, and slurred speech, which alerted his family to seek medical advice in October 2024.
Initially, Jac was diagnosed with an ear infection by a doctor who attributed his symptoms to a previous bout of glandular fever. However, worsening symptoms prompted his mother to take him to the Accident & Emergency unit at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil, where a CT scan on October 17 revealed a brain tumour. The diagnosis was a diffused glioblastoma located on the brain stem, a challenging site that ruled out conventional treatment methods such as chemotherapy.
Following his diagnosis, Jac underwent an intensive six-week course of radiotherapy, which concluded on Christmas Eve. Despite his determination and perseverance through treatment, Jac lost the ability to swallow and subsequently suffered a near-fatal medical collapse at home on January 4, 2025. During this incident, paramedics performed an emergency procedure to insert a trachea tube to facilitate breathing, leading to his critical condition upon arrival at the hospital.
Remarkably, Jac defied medical expectations by recovering from a serious lack of oxygen-induced condition that typically results in brain damage. This unexpected recovery, described by his uncle Rhydian Sexton as "something the doctors had not seen in 30 years of medicine", provided a glimmer of hope for Jac and his family during a difficult time. He was later moved to Noah’s Arc Cancer Centre, a facility dedicated to providing palliative care for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Throughout his ordeal, Jac's spirit resonated with those around him. Rhydian noted how Jac, affectionately nicknamed "Sassy Jac" by nurses, retained his character and sense of humour despite the challenges he faced. "He had so much character. That’s what kept him fighting so long," Rhydian said. The last two weeks of Jac's life, spent at home surrounded by loved ones, were filled with laughter and moments of happiness.
A GoFundMe campaign initiated by friends and family with an initial target of £1,000 has surpassed £13,000, aimed at supporting Jac's family following his passing on February 25, 2025. Rhydian, reflecting on Jac's wishes, shared, "Jac wanted to donate part towards his particular cancer," noting the difficulties associated with finding appropriate recipients for funds destined for research on rare cancers.
The family’s gratitude extended to various support organisations, including the Ronald McDonald Charity, which assisted them with accommodation and resources during this challenging time. Rhydian affirmed the profound impact of community support, suggesting that people may not grasp the importance of such donations until they face a similar situation themselves.
Jac Sexton’s journey through illness, marked by resilience and a steadfast spirit, captured the attention of many, including the Welsh rock band Stereophonics, which sent messages of support and offered concert tickets. Jac's legacy continues through the fond memories shared by family and friends, reflecting both a brief but impactful life and the strength he exhibited in the face of adversity.
Source: Noah Wire Services