Lee Whitehorn dies, aged 47, after defying the odds against brain cancer for three years

A call to arms has been issued to give a beloved father of two and local footy coach, who has died after defying the odds against brain cancer for years, “the send off he deserves”.

Lee Whitehorn was given 14 months to live after being diagnosed with severe brain cancer. Against the odds, the father-of-two and beloved footy coach, fought on for three years.

Sadly, a fortnight on from sharing his story with The Advertiser, Mr Whitehorn has died at age 47.

His wife, Laura, posted to social media on Wednesday, inviting those who knew Lee, to celebrate his life.

“At 11am on Wednesday 8th of May, we will come together to celebrate the life of Lee Whitehorn, a man who was loved and adored by so many,” she said.

Lee Whitehorn, 47, has passed away from cancer. Picture: Facebook

Lee Whitehorn with wife Laura and kids Jack (4) and Max (6) Picture: Supplied

“Given that Lee had a passion for football, it seems only suitable for the celebration to be held at the Port Districts Football Club oval, in Largs Bay.

“As a family, we welcome all who knew Lee, to come for the ceremony at 11am and stay on to raise a glass and give him the send off he deserves.”

In a touching gesture, Ms Whitehorn asked friends to bring a favourite story and a photo of Lee, to place in a scrapbook – helping to “fill in his life journal”.

In May 2021, Mr Whitehorn, then aged 44, was suffering from headaches which he attributed to a stressful work period until two weeks later he had a frightening, prolonged seizure at home.

Ambulances rushed him to the hospital where a CT scan immediately revealed a tumour, however its true damaging nature wasn’t revealed until a month later.

Doctors had given him the devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma – a very aggressive and fast growing tumour which kills most after 14 month.

“We left and we cried. We both cried out the front (of the doctor’s office) for a long while,” Ms Whitehorn said.

Despite beating the odds for years, Mr Whitehorn’s health experienced a significant functional and physical decline over the last weeks when he was placed into palliative care.