Scots son who died of brain tumour left family a ‘love note from heaven’

A young man from Scotland, Jay Kennedy, who tragically passed away from a brain tumour, has left behind a poignant “love note from heaven” for his family to help them cope with his loss. Jay was diagnosed with an incurable high-grade astrocytoma, a type of brain tumour, after experiencing a seizure, headaches, and vomiting at the age of 18. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, Jay eventually succumbed to the illness with his family by his side.

In his final days, Jay repeatedly shared a series of digits with his mum, Dawn Kennedy. She later discovered that these were the password to his phone, unlocking a document where Jay had been journaling his thoughts and feelings since learning about his terminal diagnosis. Dawn described the journal as a “love note from heaven,” which has been a source of comfort and strength for the family in coping with their grief.

Jay initially experienced a seizure in January 2020 while attending university, but subsequent scans showed no abnormalities. However, upon returning home during the Covid lockdown, he started experiencing severe headaches, sickness, and nausea. A visit to A&E in May 2020 led to the discovery of a cancerous mass on his brain, resulting in surgery to remove a significant portion of the tumour. Despite the initial treatment, Jay received the devastating news that the cancer had returned and had spread to new sites.

Realising that his time was limited, Jay began documenting his thoughts in a journal, expressing gratitude for his life and upbringing and sharing his wishes for his family’s well-being after his passing. His mum, Dawn, was profoundly moved when she finally accessed Jay’s journal on his phone, describing it as a testament to his thoughtfulness and love for his family. Jay passed away peacefully at home in October 2021, leaving behind a legacy of strength and resilience for his loved ones.

Dawn has since shared excerpts from Jay’s journal to raise awareness and celebrate his life, expressing gratitude for the impact his words have had on others. The family has also raised over £100,000 for various charities, including Brain Tumour Research, in Jay’s memory. Jay’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing life and expressing love and gratitude, even in the face of adversity.

In times of tragedy, gestures of love and resilience can provide solace and inspiration for those left behind. Jay Kennedy’s “love note from heaven” stands as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of love and compassion, transcending even the boundaries of life and death. His legacy lives on through his words, offering comfort and strength to his grieving family and inspiring others to cherish every moment with their loved ones.