Mum's praise for charity after young Heckmondwike boy collapsed at school from a brain tumour

Leighton Moorhouse from Heckmondwike, was just six-years-old when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

During the winter months of 2018, Leighton became unwell, screaming in pain with headaches, vomiting and unable to walk in a straight line. He collapsed at school on February 12 2019 and was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The youngster underwent emergency surgery to release pressure on his brain, requiring a further operation two days later to remove the tumour.

Mum Kerry said: “We were hours away from losing Leighton; our world just collapsed.

"Following surgery, we spent just over a month on the neuro ward, Leighton couldn’t walk or talk, but he still laughed and giggled.”

Leighton’s family received further bad news, finding that his tumour was a grade four sub-type of medulloblastoma; requiring aggressive treatment of 30 rounds of radiotherapy and four rounds of chemotherapy.

Now aged eight, Leighton has finished his treatment and is doing well, having six monthly scans.

"Leighton is loving being back at school on reduced hours due to his fatigue, but he pushes on and works hard not just in school but with all his other rehabilitation," said Kerry.

"He has a beaming smile that shines through and is not letting Egbert (that’s what he called his tumour) take control of who he is and the life he loves.”

the charity Candlelighters supported Leighton and his family right from their stay at the hospital, providing them with practical support on the wards, therapy sessions, sibling groups and even holidays to Center Parcs.

Kerry added: “Just having Candlelighters there, knowing someone was making the days more bearable, was a massive support. Along with the financial support, not worrying that I couldn’t get Leighton what he wanted to eat, they just sorted it; nothing was ever too much trouble.”

Candlelighters rely on the general public and businesses' support to continue their investment into childhood cancer research and to support children and families in Yorkshire through childhood cancer.

The charity’s fundraising income target from individuals and businesses was cut by almost a half last year. Candlelighters are asking for support through donations, by fundraising or taking on a challenge event.

Emily Wragg, CEO of Candlelighters, has told us, “At Candlelighters, we have a mission to bring light and hope to every family affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire.

"For over 40 years, we have been there for families, supporting them through a journey that is simply unimaginable unless you have been through it.

"Research into childhood cancers will bring about life-changing improvements for children and is also ensuring experts are here in Yorkshire to treat children facing childhood cancer now.”