A brave dad who fought nationally for more investment in brain tumour research has lost his battle against the illness.

Whitehaven's Chris Todd, 65, died in hospital on Sunday - two years after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.

Daughter Vicky Mason, 43, of Carlton Drive, Whitehaven, said the family were "heartbroken" to lose a husband, father and grandfather.

She added: "Dad was our world and to have watched him fight, struggle with and finally succumb to this most devastating of diseases has been so difficult for all of us."

His death comes just a month after he and his family backed Brain Tumour Research's national campaign to highlight the huge funding in brain tumour research, dubbed the "neglected cancer".

It coincided with the publication of an eyeopening report, which revealed new cases have increased by almost a fifth since 2002, and deaths risen by more than a quarter. Yet despite killing more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, brain tumour research is massively under-funded compared to more well-known cancers.

Mr Todd, who was married to Audrey, had also previously travelled to Parliament to lobby the Government for more investment.

A former miner and labourer, Mr Todd took ill in 2014. He was later diagnosed with an advanced grade four glioblastoma multiforme - the most aggressive type of brain tumour.

He underwent surgery in Newcastle to remove 80 per cent of the tumour, then both radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

He initially responded well but, after remaining stable for a while, the family were told this summer that the tumour was growing.

Vicky said they were all devastated – and then had to battle all the way to get him the treatment and appointments he needed.

Determined to help, Vicky has now raised more than £10,000 for Brain Tumour Research in support of her dad, and is not on her way to doubling that total.

Mr Todd, who also had a son Karl and six grandchildren, died in hospital, surrounded by family.

Vicky added: “Dad should have been enjoying his retirement, spending time with the family, and tending his beloved vegetable garden yet he was so diminished by the tumour and the effects of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.”

Sue Farrington Smith, chief executive of Brain Tumour Research, said:

“Our condolences go to Vicky, Audrey, and all of Chris’s family and friends. Tragic stories like Chris’s remind us all that we cannot allow this desperate

situation to continue. For too long, brain tumours have been a neglected cancer and we will continue our fight, in memory of Chris and all the families who have been affected.

"Along with our member charities, we are campaigning for fairness in cancer research funding and seeking the support of the general public and organisations to donate and raise funds so that brain tumour patients can see the same improvements in treatments and outcomes that breast cancer and leukaemia patients have. Together we will find a cure.”

Mr Todd's family hope his legacy will see even more attention focused on the lack of funding being made available for brain tumour research.

His funeral will take place on Tuesday at 1.15pm at St James Church, Whitehaven, followed by a cremation at Distington.

There will be family flowers only, however donations are instead being collected for Brain Tumour Research in his memory.

Visit www.justgiving.com/vicky-mason2 .