Family of a 23-year-old Sunderland soldier who died from a rare form of cancer aim to raise awareness

A year on from his sudden death on May 12, 2020, soldier Jamie Robb’s mum and girlfriend have paid tribute to the 23-year-old who died from a rare form of brain cancer.

Two weeks before his death, Jamie began suffering from severe headaches which led to changes in his behaviour – leading to him being diagnosed with depression.

Following a seizure, Jamie has rushed into hospital where scans revealed that a brain tumour had caused swelling, the pressure of which left him brain dead and medical professions could do nothing more to help him.

Tests revealed he had a rare diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumour, which usually affects children.

Jamie was a huge Sunderland and Celtic supporter as he was born in Scotland but raised in Houghton. He opted to go into the Royal Regiment of Scotland when he joined the army to honour his heritage.

Jamie’s girlfriend, Sophie Questa, has told the Echo that despite his young age, he had hugely ambitious plans for his life.

The 24-year-old student said: “There wasn’t one person who met Jamie who didn’t like him, he always had a good aura around him and would everyone before himself.

"He was really ambitious as well, Jamie always talked about being an entrepreneur and owning properties to rent out.

"Following his army training, he was commended for his spirit of working in a team and being willing to help others – he even helped me to go back to university to continue my studies.”

Jamie’s mum, Maria Robb from Houghton, reflected on how difficult the last year has been for the entire family and revealed how even despite his death, he is still helping others.

The 39-year-old said: “It’s obviously been a huge shock to find out what he had actually died from, it has rocked the whole family, especially the men as doctors say it is more common in males.

"It’s just been horrific and I don’t think that we’ll ever get over it but he will always be well remembered.

"Following the post-mortem, his cells were donated for research into the cancer so although he is in heaven, he is still helping other people.”

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