'I thought cold left me with ear infection - then I got devastating diagnosis'

A man has described how he went to doctors with what he thought was an ear infection - only to discover he had cancer.

David Dingley, 76, first noticed issues with his hearing in June 2023, but put it down to the lingering effects of a recent cold. After multiple visits to his GPwhen the problems failed to clear, he was diagnosed with an ear infection, and was later told he was likely suffering from a blocked eustachian tube, before being referred to an ear, nose and throat clinic.

But things had not improved a year later, and in September 2024 David was referred for an MRI scan at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. It comes after video emerged of the incredible moment a train smashed into van on level crossing - but driver survives.

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There, a scan revealed what appeared to be a lesion on his brain. In November that year, David underwent two more MRI scans at Southampton General Hospital.

It was confirmed that the lesion was an oligodendroglioma - a rare type of brain tumour.

David - who describes being told of the diagnosis as "shocking" - is now undergoing six-monthly scans due to the tumour's minimal blood supply.

The retiree from Winchester, Hampshire, said: “I felt absolutely fine, no symptoms whatsoever. That’s what surprised me the most.

"I had no loss of balance, difficulty with language, no slurred speech, headaches or blurred vision. I would never have known I had a brain tumour. I still feel perfectly fine. But since my diagnosis, I’ve met so many others who’ve either experienced or lost someone to brain cancer.

"They are often told their symptoms are stress or migraines until something truly serious occurs."

David has been obliged to report his diagnosis to the DVLA, but has retained his driving licence as he remains symptom-free, and the tumour was discovered incidentally.

He's now determined to raise awareness about how brain tumours can develop undetected and be masked by seemingly minor health issues, and is partnering with Brain Tumour Research for a new challenge. On September 21, he will walk 25km across 16 iconic London bridges on as part of the Thames Bridges Trek.

David said: "A time may come when my tumour will cause serious problems.

"But I am fortunate, at least I have the possibility of acting before it does.

"Any brain surgery, even biopsy, has risks and means you cannot drive for some time - which makes life difficult in today's world!.

"We need better options and more investment in early detection and non-invasive treatment.”

Brain tumours kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to them since records began in 2002, according to the Brain Tumour Research.

Letty Greenfield, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “David’s story highlights how easily brain tumours can be missed and the urgent need for more research.

"We’re incredibly grateful for his efforts to raise awareness and funds. Every step he takes helps bring us closer to our goal: improving early diagnosis, treatment options, and ultimately finding a cure.”