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A foundation is being set up in memory of James Barker (Image: Cover Images)
An “inspirational” young man who courageously fought brain cancer has passed away aged 28, leaving family and friends devastated. James Barker, from Broadstairs, Kent, possessed a “joy for life”, was an avid footballer and runner and explored the globe while pursuing a career he adored.
A remarkable young man known for his courage in battling brain cancer has sadly died at the age of 28, leaving his family and friends in deep sorrow. James Barker, hailing from Broadstairs, Kent, was celebrated for his “zest for life.” An enthusiastic footballer and runner, he explored the world while pursuing a career he loved.
Four years ago, James began experiencing vision problems and headaches. In January 2022, doctors diagnosed him with an inoperable diffuse midline glioma, a condition with a typical life expectancy post-diagnosis ranging from five to 15 months.
Despite this grim prognosis, James—one of four siblings—ran the London Marathon later that year, even as he underwent chemotherapy. His passion for life remained undiminished. Following medical treatments alongside some holistic approaches, he was declared in remission in 2023.
Tragically, just six months after this hopeful news, the cancer returned. James passed away peacefully last month, leaving his family home feeling profoundly empty. His parents and siblings are now dedicated to honoring his legacy by inspiring others with his philosophy: “I don’t remember the question, but love is always the answer.”
James’s father, Ian Barker, shared: “He was a larger-than-life character in the most wonderful way, and it’s impossible to fill that void in our home. Our hearts are broken, yet we find ourselves laughing more than crying now, thanks to the inspiration James left us. Being his dad was an immense privilege. Saying I’m proud doesn’t even begin to describe it.”
James Barker died on February 10 after a battle with brain cancer (Image: Cover Images)
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“Throughout his life, even when he had his diagnosis, he showed no fear at all. In fact, the complete opposite. He embraced life and inspired people even more with his approach.”
James, an alumnus of Dane Court Grammar in Broadstairs, pursued sports technology at Loughborough University before securing a position at Hawk-Eye, a company providing VAR technology for sporting events. This role enabled him to travel the world, visiting various countries and attending numerous events.
However, at 24, he started experiencing headaches and vision problems. He was soon dealt the crushing blow of his diagnosis and informed that only palliative care could be offered.
James Barker with his parents and siblings (Image: Cover Images)
James endured a punishing six weeks of radiotherapy and daily chemotherapy. Alongside conventional medicine, he and his family explored alternative therapies, including meditation and intravenous vitamin C treatment.
Remarkably, James was then given the all clear – but this relief was short-lived, lasting only six months before a routine scan revealed a new growth.
“But James continued to live fearlessly, and continued to inspire other people,” his father explained. “We’ve heard many people say recently they would just sit with James and they would literally shoot the breeze. Because of his joy for life, and he had a real goofy way about him, they would leave that conversation feeling uplifted and felt they could take on the day.”
James’s passing has profoundly affected his family and friends. Mr Barker reflected: “I’m grateful for the life he led and how he taught us and inspired us, not just us as an immediate family, but his wider family and certainly his community of friends.
“People ask the question, why James? Why at 28 was he taken?
“The common rationale at the moment is that those of us who knew James were blessed to know him. Some people don’t know a James in their lifetime. Most people don’t achieve what James has achieved in his 28 years.”
James Barker ran a marathon while undergoing chemotherapy (Image: Cover Images)
With this in mind, Mr Barker, alongside James’s mother Heidi and his siblings Lara, Ella and William, are establishing a foundation to continue his legacy. The as-yet unnamed charity will support holistic therapies for those battling chronic illnesses and “inspire others to heal”, exactly as their son and brother would have wished.
Establishing such a charity had been one of James’s ambitions. A GoFundMe page has been launched to raise funds ahead of the foundation’s official establishment.
A memorial service for James will take place at Queens Road Baptist Church, Broadstairs, on March 19 at 2pm. Everyone who knew and cherished him is invited to attend.
