Girl left partially sighted after 'ear infection' was actually life-threatening condition

A three-year-old girl was left with partial sight after what was initially thought to be an ear infection turned out to be a life-threatening brain tumour. Chloe Kefford, from Formby, Merseyside, was first rushed to A&E when she began experiencing car sickness and loss of balance.

Initially diagnosed with an ear infection, she was sent home with antihistamines. However, as her condition worsened, her parents sought further medical attention, leading to the discovery of a brain tumour on her optic nerve.

Chloe underwent open brain surgery and endured over three years of treatment, including proton beam therapy last year following two relapses. This advanced form of radiation therapy uses high-energy protons to precisely target tumours, minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue and vital organs.

Now nine years old, Chloe has been honoured with a special award from Cancer Research UK in recognition of her bravery throughout her treatment journey. Her initial treatment took place at St George's Hospital in London and The Royal Marsden before she was transferred to Alder Hey in Liverpool. Chloe's mother, Nikki, 38, recounted how the family had been planning to relocate from Surrey to Merseyside when Chloe fell ill.

She said: "The house was already sold, and we were planning our new life by the beach when Chloe became ill. Then we ended up moving and having to isolate for months.

"She relapsed not long after we moved and had more chemotherapy, then she rang the bell in April last year, but unfortunately, she relapsed again in July. So, we were supposed to be going on holiday to Disneyland in Paris and instead we went to Manchester for six weeks for Chloe to have proton beam therapy."

Nikki, who is also mum to Jack, seven, Joshua, five and Sophie, three, said: "Her siblings didn't complain. All they've ever known is Chloe being poorly, so they just get on with it.

"They've made it easier being the way they are. Chloe was a hit on the shuttle bus to The Christie every day for treatment.

"She would sit next to someone different each day, often older people, and she was always singing. We made new friends in that time, it's like she's got adopted grandmas and grandads, they often message me to see how she is."

Nikki added: "She is partially sighted now and has no peripheral vision; one eye is particularly badly affected. The main aim now is to preserve what eyesight she has left.

"We're hopeful that the recent targeted treatment has got the cancer once and for all. She's on steroids at the moment and she's being monitored with three monthly scans.

"She's still in recovery and struggles with fatigue from the treatment, but we hope she'll have a bit more energy soon. She's our little ray of sunshine."

Nikki put Chloe forward for the Cancer Research UK Children & Young People Star Award because she "inspires" her every day.

Her mum said: "She has never once complained and is always smiling and happy. The trophy is in pride of place in her room."

Each year, approximately 400 children and young people in the North West are diagnosed with cancer. However, new discoveries and breakthroughs are leading to more effective and less harmful treatments.

Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool is among numerous centres across the UK participating in pioneering clinical trials, offering innovative new treatments. In 2018, the charity unveiled the Cancer Research UK Children's Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, supported by TK Maxx.

This virtual centre unites international experts in children's brain tumour research to revolutionise the way we develop treatments for these tumours. Every child nominated for a Star Award receives this honour, which is endorsed by celebrities such as JoJo Siwa and Pixie Lott.

Jemma Humphreys, a spokesperson for Cancer Research UK, said: "After everything Chloe's been through, it's been an absolute privilege to celebrate her incredible courage with a Star Award."