AN Uxbridge family are looking to raise awareness of childhood brain tumours and the side effects that can occur from its treatment.

Dominic Ballard, 11, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain tumour, at just four months.

His mum, Ann, said: “Dominic was unwell when he was seven weeks old – crying a lot, being sick and his temperature kept dropping.

“We took him to A&E and the doctor thought it was meningitis. They kept him in and, after a week, he seemed well and they sent him home.

“When he was nearly four months, we were sent to a specialist children’s hospital where they did two MRI scans. They had noticed a spontaneous bleed in his brain and we were told Dominic had glioblastoma.”

For two years Dominic underwent surgery and chemotherapy to reduce the tumour.

Happily, it was successful, though his mental health, hearing and sight were all impacted by the initial treatment for his tumour.

His spirits are lifted, however, by a strong bond with his sister, Chloe, and his dog, Bell, who is important to him.

Research funded by the Children with Cancer UK charity has made a breakthrough in understanding how aggressive brain tumours develop in children.

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It is hoped this development in understanding glioblastoma will lead to the discovery of less invasive treatment.

Dominic’s story is being told by his family to mark Brain Tumour Awareness Month.

His mum said: “Dominic has undergone so much since his diagnosis in 2010, but he has turned into a lovely boy who is an inspiration to us all.

“He does struggle as a result of the side effects from his treatment, so we are pleased to hear that scientists are getting closer to better treatment.”

Dr Nick Goulden, of Children with Cancer UK, said: “In Brain Tumour Awareness Month, we aim to highlight the ongoing major challenges faced by children, adolescents and young adults who develop brain cancer.

“Unfortunately, treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy are not cancer specific and can cause damage to normal cells leading to significant long term side effects such as those experienced by Dominic.”