On Monday 10th December 2018, we took our little boy, Oliver for an eye test, having noticed a strange white glow in his right eye. We thought little of it, but thought it best to have it checked out, since daddy was already booked in to have his eye test. Here our rollercoaster journey began....

Following a number of checks at Specsavers, we were told that Oliver needed to be referred immediately to New Cross Hospital, where we were seen on that very afternoon. A kind and genuinely concerned junior doctor advised us that Oliver could likely see little more than light in his right eye. She describing having seen “cloudy debris” in Oliver’s right eye that concealed his optic nerve and retina. A second trip to New Cross on the following day, to see a consultant ophthalmologist started to make us really worry. He was flummoxed by what the problem might be, but was fairly certain that Oliver was already blind in his right eye. Several hours later, we were advised that a referral needed to be made urgently to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. 

We expected to be seen within the next week, but were called for an appointment the very next day. That night we did what you’re always advised against doing - we googled what the problem might be, and thereafter slept very little. The following day Oliver sat bravely through eye check after eye check, with a range of highly skilled staff. They were unable to provide a diagnosis, without Oliver being seen under general anaesthetic, though they confirmed that the eye contained a large mass that required identification. Oliver’s appointment under general anaesthetic took place five days later. We were zombies at this point, our nerves wrought. Seeing our child put under general anaesthetic, becoming lifeless like a doll was overwhelming. Within the next forty minutes, we made decisions together that no parents should ever have to make. If Oliver had what we feared, the treatment paths were clear. Following his procedure, we were met by Mr Ainsworth, a consultant paediatric ophthalmologist who confirmed Oliver’s diagnosis - stage D/E unilateral retinoblastoma, a very rare form of childhood cancer. The treatment options were discussed, but enucleation (eye removal) was deemed the best course of action. Oliver’s surgery took place on Friday 21st December and we were discharged home on Christmas Eve. Our lives had been turned upside down and changed forever within barely two weeks. Here stepped in CHECT, the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust. CHECT is a UK charity dedicated to helping people affected by retinoblastoma. They:

• Provide support and information to families and individuals.
• Fund research into the prevention and treatment of retinoblastoma.
• Raise awareness among health professionals and the public.
• Influence policy to improve services for patients.

The information and support we have received from CHECT this last six weeks has been invaluable. We know we are not alone on this journey we have involuntarily begun, and are confident that CHECT will remain with us for the duration. Oliver is now back to his normal self, and has had his first check up, of many. He is fitted for his first prosthetic eye on Friday 8th February.

In support of our truly amazing little boy, Oliver, to raise awareness of retinoblastoma, and in support of CHECT, we will climb Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike alone, and then take Oliver up Snowdon in his carrier. 

Please help us by donating to this wonderful charity. 

Thank you for taking the time to read Oliver’s story and for visiting our JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.