In May 2025, while eating with friends at university in Liverpool, the 23-year-old suddenly developed stroke-like symptoms.
Rushed to hospital by worried parents, Alex soon underwent emergency brain surgery — a moment that would mark the beginning of a life-altering journey.
Doctors discovered a brain tumour which, to the devastation of Alex and his family, was later identified as a high-grade glioma — a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. It is being treated as a glioblastoma, a condition that carries a typical prognosis of just 12 to 18 months, even with current treatments.
Before his illness, Alex had been thriving at university and was considered the picture of health. In the months before his diagnosis, he had experienced unexplained, sleep-related symptoms that were initially dismissed as minor.
“It is hard to put into words how shocking this diagnosis has been for him and our family,” his sisters said.
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Despite the devastating news, Alex has faced his treatment with extraordinary courage. He underwent surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and has responded well so far. However, he now faces a new challenge: NHS guidelines limit him to just three more months of chemotherapy, after which his treatment options on the NHS will end.
Introduced nearly 20 years ago, the NHS protocol leaves patients like Alex reliant on clinical trials or privately funded therapies. Unfortunately, Alex does not currently qualify for any clinical trials, and his medical team has advised him to seek options privately.
That search has led Alex and his family to a ray of hope — a cutting-edge immunotherapy treatment available in Germany. The therapy works by activating the body’s immune system to fight tumour cells, used alongside surgery, chemo and radiotherapy.
But the price is steep: around £200,000 for multiple rounds of treatment, as well as insurance and travel.
Undeterred, Alex’s family and friends have launched a fundraising campaign to cover the costs. Tomorrow on January 17, supporters will take on a 10km sponsored walk around Hampstead Heath in North London to help reach the target. So far, the family have raised just over half of the funds needed.
Biba Kang, a friend of Alex and his family, said: “We are just over halfway way to our target but need all the help we can get to help Alex access this treatment.”
A link to the just giving page can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/alex-warwick-2025
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who’s reached out,” said his family. “We’re hopeful that with continued support, Alex will be able to access the treatment that gives him the best fighting chance.”
Any funds raised beyond the target will be donated to Brainstrust, a charity that has been supporting the family throughout their journey.
Alex, who earlier completed his master’s degree with distinction — achieving the result even after his diagnosis — studied at The Archer Academy and Woodhouse College. He hopes that his experiences as a patient will one day help him as a doctor, giving him a unique perspective and enabling him to raise awareness of early symptoms of brain cancer.
Facing his illness with remarkable humour, courage and positivity, Alex continues to focus on his ambition to return to medical school and complete his studies. His family say they remain “immensely proud” and grateful for the community’s ongoing support.
In navigating this uncharted territory, the Warwick family’s story has become one of hope, resilience and determination — and of a young man refusing to give up the fight for his future.
Facing his illness with remarkable humour, courage and positivity, Alex continues to focus on his ambition to return to medical school and complete his studies. His family say they remain “immensely proud” and grateful for the community’s ongoing support.
