Mom Urges Parents to ‘Trust Your Gut’ After Optician’s Check on Her Son’s Lazy Eye Leads to Diagnosis for Brain Cancer

A Mother’s Incredible Story of Trusting Her Instincts Saves Son’s Life

Char Humphries, a devoted mother from Swindon, England, is urging parents everywhere to “trust your gut” when it comes to their children’s health after her son, Spencer Helliwell, was diagnosed with brain cancer in March 2024. The journey towards Spencer’s diagnosis began when he developed a lazy eye, accompanied by symptoms like dribbling and headaches, prompting Char to take swift action and seek medical attention. The significant turn of events that followed highlights the crucial importance of parental intuition and early detection in saving lives.

Taking Spencer to the opticians for his lazy eye was the initial step Char undertook before being referred to the hospital for further investigation. Despite initially assuming it was a minor issue, Char’s persistence and trust in her instincts led to a follow-up appointment where concerns about ongoing headaches prompted a referral to Great Western Hospital in Swindon. Little did Char know that this decision would be life-changing for her family.

At the hospital, Spencer underwent a series of tests that ultimately revealed a shadow on his eye, leading to urgent follow-up scans and a devastating diagnosis of a very large brain tumour. Char vividly recalls the heart-wrenching moment when she received the news, realizing the severity of the situation and the challenges that lay ahead for her young son. Spencer’s subsequent treatments, including two lengthy surgeries, proton beam therapy, and months of chemotherapy, were gruelling but ultimately successful in fighting the cancer.

Medulloblastoma, the type of brain cancer Spencer was diagnosed with, is a rare condition in adults but ranks as the second most common brain cancer among children in the UK. Each year, approximately 52 children are diagnosed with this aggressive tumour, underlining the critical need for increased awareness, early detection, and research funding to improve outcomes for young patients like Spencer. Despite the physical challenges Spencer faces post-treatment, including mobility issues and the need for a wheelchair, his remarkable resilience and positive spirit have allowed him to return to school and continue his journey towards recovery.

Char’s message to parents resonates deeply as she encourages them to advocate for their children’s health, push for answers, and never underestimate the power of parental intuition. Her voice carries a poignant reminder of the life-saving potential that lies in trusting one’s instincts and seeking medical advice when something feels amiss. Spencer’s miraculous recovery stands as a testament to the impact of early intervention and the unwavering love and determination of a mother fighting for her child’s well-being.

Letty Greenfield, a community fundraising manager at Brain Tumour Research, underscores the urgency of better funding for childhood brain tumours, emphasising that only 1% of national cancer research spend is allocated to this critical area. Spencer’s story serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for increased support, research, and awareness to improve outcomes for children battling brain cancer. The bravery exhibited by young patients like Spencer and the resilience of their families speak to the strength and determination required in the face of such formidable challenges.

In conclusion, Char Humphries’s unwavering advocacy for parents to trust their instincts and seek medical attention could not be more timely or profound. Spencer’s journey is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the transformative power of a mother’s love and intuition. As we reflect on this inspiring story of resilience, hope, and the triumph of the human spirit, let us join Char in her call for increased awareness, research funding, and support for children fighting brain cancer.