‘I had no choice. It was losing his eye or losing his life...’
Julie, 34, said: “They didn’t use the word cancer at first, they said he had a growth in his eye and I asked what the treatment was.
“It was only when they used the word chemotherapy that I said: ‘Are you telling me he’s got cancer?’
“It was just a shock. We got sent to Birmingham Children’s Hospital a week later and for those few days I think we just lived off adrenaline.”
Five days after arriving in Birmingham, Julie was told James’ cancer was too advanced for chemotherapy and that his life was at risk if the eye wasn’t removed.
“I had no choice. It was losing his eye or losing his life,” said Julie.
Now ten years old, James, who has three brothers, wears an artificial eye and undergoes regular check-ups to ensure the cancer has not returned.
He is also a talented footballer, playing left-back for Heddon Juniors FC near Heddon-on-the-Wall.
His mum said: “He’s been magnificent. He did used to get angry about it but he understands now why I had to make that choice.
“He loves his football and played in goal for a long time, even having lessons. His artificial eye causes him quite a lot of discomfort, something which he uses steroid cream for, but other than that he’s just like any other boy his age. I’m so proud of him.”
In recognition of his outstanding effort and bravery, James has been named a CHECT Champion by the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT).
CHECT has three missions – to offer one-to-one support for families and individuals affected by retinoblastoma, to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms to prompt earlier diagnosis, and to help fund research into the disease.
“Every child affected by retinoblastoma faces huge disruption, upset and distressing treatment,” says Patrick Tonks, chief executive of CHECT.
“We are delighted to recognise the courage, resilience and resourcefulness shown by James.
“He really is a thoroughly deserving champion.”