A five-year-old boy is now cancer-free after losing an eye to a brain tumour that was discovered during a routine pre-school eye check. Riley Thompson was promptly sent to Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children in February after the eye test revealed the cancerous optic nerve glioma.

Surgeons courageously fought to remove the golf ball-sized tumour in May, resulting in the loss of Riley’s eye in the process. Rallying behind him, the youngster from Renfrewshire with his devoted parents, Nicole, 36, and Sam, 34, is undertaking an ambitious walking challenge to raise funds for research into the deadly illness.

Nicole, a nurse by profession and unaware of her son’s blindness in his right eye or the danger it spelled out, recounted the harrowing journey: “I noticed a regular squint which led to Riley’s eyes getting checked out by an optometrist at pre-school, then a series of doctors at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. Although I’m a nurse, I had no idea he was blind in his right eye, let alone that it was due to something more dangerous.”

The shock was palpable for her as she expressed her disbelief: “My heart stopped when I saw a golf ball-sized lump just behind Riley’s eyeball – instantly I knew it must be a tumour.”

Despite the daily contact with her son, the gradual change didn’t ring alarm bells for Nicole as Riley never complained about his vision. She stressed the importance of vigilance among parents, saying: “Thousands are diagnosed with brain tumours every year, and I urge all parents that if you notice anything unusual, get your child checked out. It could save their life.”

Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer deaths in individuals under 40, yet they receive a mere one per cent of the national cancer research funding, Brain Tumour Research reveals. The charity also notes that this disease claims more young lives than leukaemia, reports Glasgow Live. 

Riley, who faced multiple post-operative challenges including a spinal fluid leak from his eye socket removal, has shown remarkable fortitude, starting primary school in September and enjoying hobbies such as LEGO and taekwondo. His three-year-old sister Isla has been a pillar of support, with their mother Nicole sharing: “She’s always checking on Riley to make sure he’s OK. It’s been tough for her to understand what’s happening, but she’s been so thoughtful and caring.”

The Thompson family is now championing brain tumour awareness and participating in the 99 Miles in November challenge to aid Brain Tumour Research.

This initiative allows supporters to cover the distance in various ways, including walking, running, cycling, or swimming, contributing to the crucial battle against brain tumours.

Nicole expressed her gratitude and determination, saying: “Riley could have lost much more than an eye to this tumour like so many other children have, so it’s important we do our part to raise funds and awareness of the incredible work that Brain Tumour Research does. We’re committed to walking the 99 Miles in November challenge as a family-to help reach the ultimate goal of finding a live-saving cure for all brain tumours.”

Reflecting on the tough journey, Ashley Williams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, commented: “Riley’s story is a heart-breaking reminder of the devastating impact brain tumours can have, not just on the individual but on their entire family. Despite the challenges, Riley’s bravery and his family’s resilience show the strength it takes to face this cruel disease. But the fact remains, stories like Riley’s are all too common. That’s why we desperately need more investment in researching brain tumours.”

Signifying progress in their endeavour, Brain Tumour Research highlights the funding of critical research at centres across the UK, including the announcement of a new centre set to open in Scotland next year.

To discover more about the courage behind Riley’s 99 Miles in November challenge and how you can support, click here.