Royston: Fundraiser for 10-year-old cancer survivor

Ethan Bacon was diagnosed with pineoblastoma - a fast-growing tumour in the brain's pineal gland - in 2018, at age five.

He had started showing symptoms of what appeared to be a stomach bug at the end of 2017, which escalated the following year into headaches and falling asleep in class.

In April 2018 Ethan went to hospital after he was sick and his mum Charlotte Foran noticed one of his pupils was enlarged.

After tests, he was deemed to be fine and sent home with some ibuprofen.

Ethan during his cancer treatment (Image: Courtesy of Charlotte Foran)

However in June Charlotte's mum took Ethan to the opticians, where he was told he needed to go to A&E for a CT scan.

Charlotte said: "We were taken to a side room at Addenbrooke's and told the devastating news that Ethan had hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) and a 10cm tumour and needed emergency surgery. 

"After that, everything went into a blur. He had surgery the following morning to place a straw like tube from his brain to his stomach to relieve the pressure in his brain as well as a biopsy.

"10 days later we were given more devastating news that Ethan had pineoblastoma, a rare and highly aggressive type of brain cancer which only affects children. 

"Because it’s so rare, his consultant needed to speak with professionals in America to figure out the right course of treatment."

Since his diagnosis Ethan has undergone six brain surgeries, as well as two further operations to insert and remove his Hickman line and numerous rounds of chemotherapy.

Before he started his chemotherapy, he needed a debulking surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible.

Ethan Bacon during his treatment for pineoblastoma (Image: Courtesy of Charlotte Foran)

Due to the placement of the tumour, surgeons could only remove 80 per cent, and the surgery damaged his pituitary gland - meaning he will be on lifelong steroids.

Finally Ethan travelled to Essen in Germany with his family for weeks of proton beam therapy, where he also celebrated his sixth birthday.

During his treatment Ethan suffered from side effects including nausea, lack of appetite and low energy, but was still able to enjoy the local parks.

Speaking about the end of the treatment, Charlotte said: "Ethan finished his treatment and once he had woken up, had some food, it was time to ring the end of treatment bell.

"The staff gave him a certificate and said some lovely words, it was very emotional." 

Six weeks later, Ethan had an MRI which confirmed the proton treatment had worked, and he was cancer free.

Now Ethan has quarterly MRI scans and six-monthly endocrine appointments. He has also restarted physiotherapy this year due to his weakened knee and leg muscles.

READ MORE

• Tributes paid to Litlington postmaster who was 'pillar of the community'
• New outdoor fitness equipment installed at Royston Leisure Centre

Charlotte said: "In April 2024, Ethan will be cancer free for five years.

"He’s had many obstacles to overcome due to the operations and treatment causing cognitive issues and other problems within the brain, but he’s such a happy 10-year-old with so much energy."

Family friends organised a fundraising event to show support for Ethan's family, which will be held at the Royston Royal British Legion on Saturday, September 9.

There will be children's games, face-painting, a DJ, a fire engine from Royston Fire Station and a bouncy castle, as well as a raffle and auction.

Donations to the raffle are welcome.

You can also donate directly to support Ethan's family at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/FundraiserforEthan.