A pair of childhood sweethearts have died within less than a year of each other after the wife was left “broken-hearted” by the passing of her husband, who died suddenly from a glioblastoma.
When Roy Kennard, from Dorset, learned he had just three months to live, he responded by telling his family they’d “better have a party then”.
But the mathematician, lecturer and former Ofsted school inspector never got the chance.
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Just three days before Christmas last year, he passed away from an aggressive tumour after suffering symptoms that had been “brushed off” by doctors as old age.
Less than a year later, his wife and the mother of their two children, Barbara, passed away from illness, too.
Their daughter, Julia, has spoken up about her grief and how children must push to get the care their parents deserve.
“When the consultant told us Dad had just three months to live, it was a struggle to take in,” his daughter, Julia Bullas, told Need To Know.
“We were shocked.
“Dad’s first response was ‘Well, we’d better have a party then’, but we didn’t get time for that as the disease moved so quickly.
“I kept hoping something could be done and they’d made a mistake.”
Roy’s memory loss, confusion, disrupted sleep, and periods of detachment were initially “brushed off” as being part of ageing.
But as they progressed, Julia became very concerned about him and, on 14 September, urgently took her dad to Southampton Hospital.
A CT scan led to the discovery of a glioblastoma – the most aggressive form of primary brain tumour in adults.
Julia said, “Dad mentioned his memory was going and he was sleeping more.
“I initially thought it was stress, age, or exhaustion and told him not to worry.
“He otherwise seemed fine and was the same old Dad – generous with his hugs and up for a game of tennis.
“Mum was seriously ill too, and Dad had been under so much pressure caring for Mum.
“Not once did my brother Ben or I think it could be a brain tumour.”
Roy was 75 when he first started showing symptoms and was diagnosed in September 2024.
He declined treatment to preserve his quality of life.
Julia said, “The time together was far too short and stressful.
“We felt completely lost, like we were in the wilderness.
“We were trying to understand what was happening and make difficult decisions on care, while Dad deteriorated faster than we could ever have imagined.
“At the same time, my brother and I were realising how seriously ill Mum was and how much care she needed.
“It was overwhelming.
“If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and push for answers.
“Don’t wait.
“If you are looking after an older parent, be prepared to strongly advocate on their behalf.
“It is easy to downplay symptoms of older people, but their symptoms should be taken seriously and not just brushed off as ageing.”
Roy died at home on 22 December.
Julia said: “Losing Dad so suddenly was a huge shock for Mum, Barbara, who died nine months later on 3 September 2025.
“They were sweethearts since they were 19.
“They loved and supported each other through everything.
“She was broken-hearted when Dad died.
“In a way, I am glad she doesn’t have to feel that pain anymore and they can be together.
Julia has turned her grief into action by swimming 2.5km in the sea from Studland to Old Harry’s Rocks to raise vital funds for the charity Brain Tumour Research.
She added, “Swimming has given me purpose through grief.
“I’ve trained for months.
“And even though some days are harder than others, especially when I miss Mum and Dad the most, I know they would be proud.
“I’ve raised nearly £3,000 and I am so grateful for every penny that friends and family have donated.
“Every stroke is for Dad, and for all the families walking this terrifying path.
“For the kids who deserve a future and for the change we desperately need.”
