An employee’s death from a brain tumour has inspired staff at John Lewis High Wycombe to support research to help find a cure for the disease.

Andy Graham, from Hughenden Valley, worked at the branch for 29 years as the resident camera expert.

The 52-year-old had been experiencing dizzy spells and vertigo on the shop floor and was eventually referred for an MRI scan which revealed a low-grade haemangioblastoma tumour located on his brain stem.

The dad-of-two underwent surgery to remove the tumour but due to its location, surgeons were unsuccessful and over the next 18 months, despite surgery, Andy deteriorated.

Following a fall in A&E, Andy then suffered from bleeds on his brain and multiple seizures and on New Year’s Eve 2017, Andy passed away at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, leaving behind his devastated wife Gill and sons, Oliver and Daniel.

Gill said: “Andy loved his job and was a loyal John Lewis employee for almost three decades, which is why I’m so delighted that the store is now supporting the Brain Tumour Research charity in his memory.”

One of Andy’s managers, Mark Hastings, appealed to the store to choose the Brain Tumour Research charity as its charity of the year after witnessing the devastating impact the disease had on Andy.

He said: “Seeing Andy’s demise was traumatic to say the least. It made me realise that this could happen to anyone and the fact that the disease is prevalent in younger adults really struck a chord.”

Dawn Stokoe, community liaison co-ordinator at the store, said: “Andy is sorely missed here, he was such a fun character and the customers always enjoyed talking to him.

“Other colleagues here have also lost loved ones to brain tumours which is why are determined to support the Brain Tumour Research charity.”

The store, on Holmers Farm Way, will support the Brain Tumour Research charity over the course of the year through a variety of fundraising activities such as ‘bushtucker’ trials, an Indian chef experience and a sponsored car wash.

Michael Thelwall, Head of Community Fundraising at the Brain Tumour Research charity, said: “We are honoured to be John Lewis High Wycombe’s Charity of the Year. This collaboration will help us in our mission to build a network of experts in sustainable research. Ultimately, this will lead to better outcomes for patients – from improved awareness to the development of targeted drugs.”