A couple from Hertfordshire whose toddler died from a brain tumour will be among supporters visiting our Centre of Excellence at the Institute of Cancer Research today.
Michelle and James Rodd will make the visit in memory of their son George, who was just three when he died, seven weeks after being diagnosed with a medulloblastoma. Since losing George, who was a twin, Michelle and James have raised more than £20,500 for Brain Tumour Research.
The couple will tour the lab and meet scientists working on identifying new treatments particularly focused on children and young adults. They will also place seven tiles on our Wall of Hope to represent the seven days of research – each day costing £2,740 to sponsor – that have been achieved in George’s name.
In April 2013, George developed a head tilt and was suffering from vision and balance issues. After two weeks of failed doctor appointments and an all-clear CT scan, a standard eye test detected pressure behind his eyes. An MRI scan revealed a golf-ball sized tumour at the back of the toddler’s brain.
Sadly, it was found that the tumour was not contained and had also spread down George's entire spinal column and into his brain fluid.
Michelle said: “Unfortunately we were left with no treatment options to save George. We brought him home where he was made as comfortable as possible. He sadly passed away just three weeks later surrounded by all his loved ones. It was all very sudden and a lot as a family for us to comprehend and deal with.”
Last April, Michelle and James – also parents to George’s twin brother Austin, now aged 14, and 16-year-old brother Oscar – ran the TCS London Marathon to raise money to mark the 10th anniversary of George’s death.
Michelle said: “I hope the money we’ve raised is life changing. It won’t bring George back, but I hope it makes a difference for families in the future.”
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