Aberdeenshire farmer forced to sell sheep after eye test uncovered incurable brain tumour

An Aberdeenshire farmer was forced to sell his sheep after being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour following an eye test.

Richard Gospel, from Rothienorman, was diagnosed with a grade four astrocytoma in January 2024 after he felt shooting pains down his back and pins and needles at the back of his head.

The 44-year-old also started to get double vision while driving.

The farmer’s GP referred him for an eye test, which showed some pressure behind his right eye.

On his way home, the optician called, telling Richard to go straight to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

He explained “Being a farmer is a really physical job, so something was always aching.

Richard Gospel and partner, Catherine McKenzie at the top of Lochnagar Munro Brain Tumour Research

“It was a massive shock when I was told I had a brain tumour, everything from there happened so quickly.

“I needed to have an operation to remove as much as could be safely taken out.

‘The worst thing was having to sell my sheep’

“That was really tough and was followed up with aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, then a second surgery in December of 2024, but the worst thing was having to sell my sheep in the middle of lambing season because I could no longer look after them.”

After undergoing an MRI scan, a tumour was discovered on Richard’s right frontal lobe.

“I recovered really well from surgery, but I suffered a seizure just a few days later at home, and I now need to take anti-seizure medication”, he added.

“With the sheep, I had to make a really quick decision. Farming involves so much long-term planning, but a brain tumour brings so much uncertainty.

“I still have some cattle, but I’ve really had to scale down.”

Richard Gospel and partner, Catherine McKenzie Brain Tumour Research

The farmer has been inspired by broadcaster Glenn Campbell to make the most of life.

Alongside partner, Catherine McKenzie, he climbed to the top of Lochnagar Munro to raise money for the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence on August 10.

The farmer explained: “We were inspired by the broadcaster Glenn Campbell, who has been going through something similar to me.

“Glenn has been making the most of his life and making a positive impact, so we wanted to do the same. It was a great day, although our legs are aching now!”

Catherine, a nurse at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, added: “Since March, Richard has been back on chemotherapy, but his last scan was very reassuring.

“His next scan will be in September so we’ll see if the treatment has been working.

“Then hopefully he’ll get a bit of a break in treatment for a while.

“As a farmer, he has not taken well to having to slow down and take it easy, and having to give up driving has been very isolating for him.

“He is still working and managing to do bits around the farm, which is keeping him going.”

Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Richard’s story is a powerful example of how devastating a brain tumour diagnosis is. His resilience and determination to turn his experience into action is deeply inspiring. We’re incredibly grateful for his support and advocacy.”

To support Richard and Catherine’s fundraising efforts, visit:

justgiving.com/page/catherinemckenzie2