Resilient Riley steps up for cure despite losing vision to tumour

Brain Tumour Research

2 min read

A five-year-old Scottish boy has decided to take part in Brain Tumour Research’s 99 Miles in November challenge, despite losing his eye to a brain tumour.

Riley Thompson, from Renfrewshire, was diagnosed with a rare optic nerve glioma in February 2024, after his mother Nicola, 36, took him to the opticians. Along with his father Sam, 34, Nicola had noticed Riley regularly squinting with his right eye. Tests revealed a golf ball-sized tumour behind the little boy’s right eye – which had caused him to go blind on that side.

Riley's story has gained widespread news coverage in The Mirror and The Express. His mum Nicola said: “Although I’m a nurse, I had no idea Riley was blind in his right eye, let alone that it was due to something more dangerous. I see him every day so I didn’t notice any real change, and he never said anything or complained about his sight.”

Emergency surgery saved Riley’s life but could not save his eye. Despite further post-operative complications, including a spinal fluid leak, Riley has remained resilient. He started primary school in September and continues to enjoy practicing Taekwondo.

Only six months on from surgery, Riley and his family have decided to take on our new challenge, 99 Miles in November, which begins next week. The fundraiser encourages participants to travel 99 miles throughout the month in their own way, from swimming and cycling to rambling and rollerblading.

This includes three-year-old Isla, who has been taking care of her older brother. Nicola said: "She’s always checking on Riley to make sure he’s OK. It’s been tough for her to understand what’s happening, but she’s been so thoughtful and caring."

The Thompson family plan to cover some miles next month with dog walks in the hilly Scottish countryside. Nicola said: “Riley could have lost much more than an eye to this tumour, like so many other children have.

“It’s important we do our part to raise funds and awareness of the incredible work that Brain Tumour Research does. We’re committed to walking the 99 Miles in November challenge as a family – to help reach the ultimate goal of finding a live-saving cure for all brain tumours.”

You can donate to us via Nicole’s JustGiving page or sign up to take part in 99 Miles in November – and help bring hope to children like Riley.