Joshua Warner, a 25-year-old father from south-east London, tragically died due to a brain tumor that was initially misdiagnosed as appendicitis. In June, he sought medical attention after experiencing two weeks of headaches and nausea. Doctors conducted a CT scan, diagnosing him with appendicitis, and he underwent surgery to remove his appendix.
However, Joshua’s condition did not improve, and further tests later revealed an anomaly in his brain. Shockingly, this was initially dismissed as a computer error. It was only weeks later, when he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, that his brain tumor was confirmed. Tragically, he passed away 12 days afterward.
His family, describing him as kind-hearted and a loving father, shared his story with the hope that others would not endure a similar experience. They expressed disappointment with the initial misdiagnosis and the dismissal of critical brain scan results, leading to delayed treatment.
A fundraising campaign initially intended to cover Joshua’s treatment costs will now be directed toward a trust fund for his four-year-old son, Andrew. The community and businesses provided overwhelming support.
Darent Valley Hospital expressed condolences and pledged to investigate Joshua’s case to understand the events that led to the misdiagnosis and delayed treatment, emphasizing their commitment to high-quality care.