THE family and friends of a “sporty and athletic” young Warrington man, who tragically lost his life to a brain tumour aged just 26, have vowed to keep his legacy alive after raising more than £57,000 for St Rocco’s Hospice.
Kieran Shingler sadly passed away at St. Rocco’s Hospice on 14 December 2025, just over three years after his initial diagnosis.
He was surrounded by his loved ones and his devoted dog. Now, his partner Abbie and his family are continuing the mission of “Kieran’s Krew”—a fundraising group set up in the wake of his illness—to support hospice care and raise vital awareness within the brain tumour community.
Kieran’s journey began in November 2022 when he suffered severe headaches and sickness. Given his highly active lifestyle, staying in bed was unusual, prompting his mother, Lisa, to take him to Warrington Hospital.
A scan revealed a mass on his brain. Kieran was quickly transferred to the Walton Centre, where he underwent four major brain surgeries in just six weeks, including a craniotomy biopsy that confirmed the tumour.
He began radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Clatterbridge in January 2023. Though treatment was halted in November 2023 due to liver complications, Kieran used his 18-month treatment break to climb mountains, cycle, and move into a first home with Abbie. Tragically, the tumour returned later in 2025.
St. Rocco’s Hospice already held a deep meaning for the family; Kieran’s mother, Lisa, had been cared for there before passing away from cancer in August 2024 after a sudden and aggressive cancer spread to her lungs and kidneys. She sadly died at the hospice in August that year, which meant St. Rocco’s already held memories for their family, having already experienced the death of a loved one. It was through the care shown for Lisa during that time which prompted them to want Kieran to spend the last few weeks of his life at the hospice.
“Even when Kieran was going through all of this, he still visited his mum with a big smile on his face. This is why we want to give so much back to St. Rocco’s. We did not realise the importance of fundraising to keep this care going until now,” said Abbie.
In November 2025, Kieran came to St. Rocco’s Hospice for a week. He stabilised, and evenings were spent side by side with his loved ones watching “I’m A Celebrity”, and Abbie sleeping in the chair next to him. He was well enough to return home for a short while, where together Kieran and Abbie put up their Christmas tree, filled the house with treats, and watched Christmas films. When Kieran became unwell again, he returned to the hospice, spending his final two weeks in the Sunflower room, surrounded by visitors, laughter, and love and of course, their dog.
“I’m glad Kieran was able to be cared for at St. Rocco’s, the nurses were all amazing, the nurses got to know his cheeky personality and were happy for us to bring in a Christmas tree and decorate the room. Nothing was ever too much trouble.”
Abbie was able to stay by Kieran’s side throughout day and night, and they were both provided with freshly cooked meals. Volunteers popped in with tea and biscuits, offering conversation that gently broke up long days. The Complementary Therapy Team gave Kieran massages, he especially loved the foot massages. The nursing team also brought Kieran outside on his bed for the Light Up a Life event so he could watch the Christmas tree light switch, he was surrounded by his family and friends, huddled under umbrellas to keep Kieran dry.
Kieran’s loved ones were also grateful for the Family Room space at the hospice, they would gather for meals together, never feeling rushed, “One evening, Kieran was able to join us in the kitchen for a Nando’s, it was little touches like that that made us really appreciate him being at the hospice.”
Kieran sadly died at the hospice on 14th December 2025, just over three years after his diagnosis. Abbie was grateful to be able to stay with him by his side throughout his stay, which was comforting, and they were able to record Kieran’s heartbeat for our Memory Bears, which was a special and thoughtful touch. “Our dog likes to chew all of his toys, however with the Memory Bear he knows not to touch it, it has Kieran’s scent on, and I play it every night and watch his ears perk up while he listens to it.”
Kieran’s Krew was created following Kieran’s diagnosis to raise awareness and funds for brain tumour charities. They purchased a hyperbaric oxygen tank that supported Kieran for two years after his diagnosis and since it started, Kieran’s Krew have raised more than £57,000 through events including bingo nights, Pretty Muddy with 150 runners, a charity ball, head shaves and even a skydive.
As part of Abbie’s continued support of St. Rocco’s, following Kieran’s death, she has since donated care packages for patients and loved ones, inspired by the thoughtful toiletries she was given during her stay with Kieran. Using funds raised, Kieran’s Krew have also purchased a single bed for the Inpatient Unit at St.Rocco’s, so that other family members and loved ones can have the opportunity to sleep next to patients whilst they are receiving care at the hospice. The bed that Abbie slept on in the Sunflower room was a huge part of her stay, not only did it fit next to Kieran’s hospital bed so that Abbie could sleep next to him holding his hand, it was also a place for his family and friends to just have a moment with him when he was in his final days.
Fundraising remains fully active, with supporters tackling new mountain climbs and triathlons to support the future of hospice care.St. Rocco’s Hospice is inviting others to share their experiences. Contact the marketing team at marketingteam@stroccos.org.uk or call 01925 575780 or visit https://www.stroccos.org.uk/.
