A young boy, Riley Thompson, had his life saved after doctors discovered a golf ball-sized tumour when his mother noticed he had a squint. The routine pre-school eye check revealed a brain tumour pressing against his eye. He was swiftly taken to Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children in February, where he was diagnosed with an optic nerve glioma. In May, surgeons successfully removed the tumour, but unfortunately, Riley had to have his eye removed during the procedure. Despite this, the brave five-year-old from Renfrewshire is now cancer-free, thanks to the timely detection and treatment of the tumour.
Riley’s mother, Nicole, a nurse, emphasized the importance of paying attention to any unusual signs in children and promptly getting them checked to potentially save lives. Brain tumours, although rare, can be life-threatening, with brain tumours being a leading cause of cancer deaths in individuals under 40. However, they receive minimal funding for research, with only one per cent of national cancer research funding allocated to them. Nicole urged parents to be vigilant and seek medical advice if they notice anything concerning in their children’s health.
Following the surgery, Riley faced some complications, including a spinal fluid leak from the eye socket, but that hasn’t dampened his spirits. He started primary school in September and continues to enjoy activities like LEGO and taekwondo, with unwavering support from his three-year-old sister, Isla. The Thompson family is now dedicated to raising awareness about brain tumours and is participating in the 99 Miles in November challenge for Brain Tumour Research. This initiative encourages supporters to cover the distance through various activities to raise funds and awareness for research into brain tumours.
Nicole expressed gratitude for the vital research that saved her son’s life and stressed the importance of supporting organisations like Brain Tumour Research to find cures for these devastating conditions. The organisation is intensifying its efforts to establish new research facilities, including one in Scotland, to advance research in this critical medical area. The Thompson family is determined to contribute to this cause by participating in fundraising events like the 99 Miles in November challenge.
Stories like Riley’s serve as poignant reminders of the impact of brain tumours on individuals and their families, underscoring the urgent need for increased investment in brain tumour research. As the Thompsons strive to raise awareness and funds, they join the collective effort to combat brain tumours and work towards finding life-saving treatments for all those affected by this disease.