Nigel Humphrey, 40, from Omagh has been unable to work or drive since being diagnosed with grade four glioblastoma in March 2025, with his family now fundraising for immunotherapy treatment abroad
A community has united behind a father-of-four as he battles a heartbreaking diagnosis and fights for more time with his kids.
Nigel Humphrey, 40, has been unable to manage everyday activities, work, or get behind the wheel since his diagnosis in March 2025. Doctors initially believed Nigel, from Omagh, was dealing with a low-grade brain tumour. However, on April 14, he was given the heartbreaking news that the tumour had advanced and was now a grade four glioblastoma which had failed to respond to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The dedicated dad was told there were no additional treatment options available to him, and he has been referred to the palliative care team.
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His family is now attempting to raise £110,000 to fund cutting-edge overseas treatment including debulking surgery and personalised immunotherapy, as they battle to give him more precious time, according to BelfastLive. Nigel’s sister Amanda said: “We as a family don’t accept that this is the end of the road and we want to do everything we can to help Nigel.
“He wants to fight this for his kids. We started researching and looking into different avenues including going abroad for alternative therapies. We have had support to help him get his body prepared for these treatments.
“A specialist in London has started him on new medication, supplements and a specialist diet. He is on a hydration and oxygen inhalation machine which was purchased by a friend of the family. We are on a very limited timeframe and we need to get him over to Turkey to start this treatment to help prolong his life.
“There are travel, accommodation and medical expenses so we are trying to raise as much money as possible because we as a family aren’t capable of affording it all. The community has been great, his friends have stepped up and come together. There have been some great prizes put up for raffles by people and we appreciate all of their efforts. All proceeds are going towards Nigel’s treatment and we really appreciate people donating.”
Amanda revealed that Nigel had a deep passion for sport and took great joy in passing that enthusiasm on to his children. He previously turned out for the football club Beragh Swifts and also took enormous pride in his car, which his sister said he would spend countless hours lovingly maintaining it.
Nigel has also completed numerous projects around his home, a testament to his independence. He is father to 14-year-old twins Emma and Thomas, as well as two other sons, Scott, 26, and William, 22.
Nigel had been working full-time as a welder in Omagh when he received his diagnosis. Amanda added: “Nigel is too good to just give up on, he is independent and tries to do things for himself.
“He is struggling a bit with his speech at the moment but is determined to keep fighting. Since we set up the GoFundMe campaign he has been so positive to everyone around him.” To find out more or to donate to the fund, click here.
