Teenager who used video to ‘open up’ dialogue about illness since her diagnosis with brain cancer at 16 dies in Brighton

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Teenage vlogger Charlotte Eades, who documented her battle with inoperable brain cancer through a series of popular video posts, has died aged 19.

Her parents posted a poignant final video message on her channel revealing that she had died in hospital on Thursday.

“It is with regret that this will be the last YouTube video for Charlotte,” said her mother in the video. “Charlotte passed away peacefully at 1.03pm in our local hospital in Brighton. She fought until the last minute and my husband managed to get there 15 minutes before she passed away.”

Eades was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in July 2013, and began vlogging as a way to reach out to other cancer patients. She campaigned for the charity Stand Up To Cancer and would openly discuss her painful treatments, which included operations, radiotherapy and chemotherapy five days a week.

She nicknamed her brain tumour the Terminator and would speak candidly about dealing with the side effects of her treatments, such as hair loss and going partially deaf and blind. Eades’ hope was that her vlog would “open up” conversations around cancer.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Charlotte Eades was described by her brother as a ‘real, honest and uniquely interpersonal vlogger’. Photograph: Stand Up To Cancer

Her mother revealed that in the final month of her life, the 19-year-old was unable to talk, walk, bathe or use the toilet without assistance.

Her brother also paid tribute, saying she started vlogging in hope of helping other people her age who had been diagnosed with cancer.

“It was Charlotte’s goal in life to help others, she educated secondary school pupils about cancer and volunteered her time tirelessly as a real, honest and uniquely interpersonal vlogger,” he said.

He added: “Through her videos, Charlotte made an inspirational and definite difference to people’s lives.”