'My ear infection was a brain tumour'

David Dingley, says sometimes you need to be "politely insistent" if you have concerns

A man who was told his brain tumour was an ear infection has said he has "taught himself how to deal with it".

In June 2023, David Dingley, 76, from Winchester noticed he could not hear clearly and assumed he had a cold.

After visiting his doctor he was diagnosed with an ear infection but his hearing remained blocked for more than a year.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, he said following MRI scans in November 2024 he was eventually diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Mr Dingley was determined to raise awareness about how brain tumours can develop undetected and be masked by seemingly minor health issues.

"My thinking was this: given I've got this thing can I do something constructive?" he said.

On 13 September he took part in the 15.5 mile (25km) Thames Bridge Trek, which saw him walk across 16 iconic London bridges to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.

He gratefully received more than £3,400 in donations.

"I would never have known I had a brain tumour. I still feel perfectly fine," Mr Dingley said.

He added: "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.

"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."

Reflecting on his misdiagnosis, Mr Dingley believed all of the people involved were on his side and trying to help but suggested sometimes people "need to be politely insistent" if they have concerns.

'Need for more research'

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

Letty Greenfield, community development manager at the charity 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."