A mother from Leeds has described the devastating moment her four-year-old son was diagnosed with a brain tumour after his symptoms were initially dismissed as acid reflux.
From Indigestion to a Life-Threatening Diagnosis
When Reggie Davison began suffering from extreme fatigue and persistent sickness, his mother, Kirsty Benson, 34, took him repeatedly to their GP. Doctors attributed his condition to acid reflux and prescribed medicine for indigestion. However, Kirsty's concern grew as Reggie's health continued to deteriorate.
The situation escalated when the young boy started vomiting at school and became unsteady on his feet. Remembering a family whose child had shown similar symptoms before a brain tumour diagnosis, Kirsty's instinct told her something was seriously wrong. She took Reggie to Leeds General Infirmary, where a CT scan confirmed her worst fears.
Reggie was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a fast-growing type of brain tumour. Kirsty described the day of the diagnosis as the "worst day of her life." Reggie immediately underwent a gruelling 12-hour operation to remove the tumour.
A Gruelling Treatment and Remarkable Recovery
Following surgery, Reggie's challenges multiplied when he developed Posterior Fossa Syndrome (PFS). This left him unable to speak, walk, or swallow, and he could not open his eyes for a week. His parents, Kirsty and his father, began intensive physio and rehabilitation at home, carrying him and preparing soft foods he could manage.
His treatment pathway was intense. Reggie was placed on an international clinical trial named 'SIOP-HRMB', funded by Cancer Research UK in partnership with The Brain Tumour Charity. This involved two rounds of chemotherapy followed by five weeks of intensive proton beam therapy twice daily at The Christie Hospital in Manchester.
The treatment required two general anaesthetics each day. In total, Reggie has endured a staggering 61 general anaesthetics in his short life. His family, including his older brother Rio, 10, relocated to an apartment in Manchester city centre for the duration, with Rio attending the hospital school. Reggie then completed six months of oral maintenance chemotherapy at home.
Back to School and Celebrating Courage
Against the odds, Reggie has made a remarkable recovery. His most recent scan was clear, and he has now returned to school. Kirsty, from Morley in Leeds, said: "It's great to see Reggie back at school now and loving life with his friends."
Kirsty has nominated her son for Cancer Research UK's Children and Young People Star Award, which celebrates young cancer patients. "We are so incredibly proud of Reggie for staying as cheerful as possible through the darkest of times," she added.
Every child nominated receives the award, which is supported by celebrities including author Joseph Coelho, singer Pixie Lott, and TV's Dr Ranj. As well as a star-shaped trophy, Reggie received a £50 TK Maxx gift card, a t-shirt, and a certificate signed by the stars. His brother Rio also received a certificate for his courage.
Reflecting on their ordeal, Kirsty said: "It was a really difficult time for the family when he was diagnosed. Even though my gut instinct told me he had a brain tumour, it was still a huge shock... Waiting for him to get through the 12 hours of surgery was painful and something I will never forget."
