A surgeon has paid tribute to his younger brother following his “shock” cancer death. Head and neck cancer surgeon Ewen Thomson’s brother Iain died after a year-long battle with the disease at a hospice in Kirkcaldy Fife, aged 56.
Iain first visited the GP when he began losing appetite and suffered weight loss last August. He was given a fast track cancer referral but, tragically, scans soon revealed his oesophageal cancer was already at an advanced stage.
Iain, who is survived by wife Linda, underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy after surgery was ruled out. He initially responded well but rapidly deteriorated over the last couple of months and sadly passed away on July 25.
Ewen said the family has “struggled” since his passing and how his brother’s life ended feels “surreal”.
The 60-year-old told Glasgow Live: “It was quickly apparent that the cancer was pretty advanced already.
View 2 ImagesIain (middle) with his wife Linda and Ewen(Image: Supplied)
“He stopped chemo earlier this year, but remained on immunotherapy.
“He started to feel a lot of pain and lost a lot of weight in just a matter of weeks.
“He was told he would probably have two months around six weeks ago, and spend his last days in the hospice.
“He listening to his favourite band – Stiff Little Fingers – when he passed.
“It’s not been easy, and it was quite a shock at the end and seems a bit unreal.”
Ewen, originally from Dunfermline, affectionately described his brother, saying: “He was gregarious without wanting to be the centre of attention. He liked being with loved ones and going to Germany to watch football matches.”
Ewen is now planning to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his late brother. He will be taking part in the Tour de 4 2026, where he will cycle the 56-mile red route, with all money raised going to the charity.
He has so for raised more than £2,000.
Ewen, who works in Glasgow, said: “I work closely with Macmillan cancer services and I wondered about raising money specifically for oesophageal cancer, but they deal with all sorts of cancer, including head and neck that I work in.
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“But I thought to raise money for them, as they do such a great job.”
You can donate to Ewen’s GoFundMe online here.