In 2017 our 10 year old daughter Ellie started getting pains in her legs,to which we were told that it was simply growing pains.As this continued for quite some time & after numerous doctors appointments including hopsital appointments with an x-ray which was inconclusive,we were feeling somewhat frustrated because you could clearly see there was more to this than meets the eye.Ellie was then referred to a physio therapist & on this occasion we were advised that Hydro therapy would benefit Ellie due to the 'Growing Pains'Following on from this Ellie's condition had not improved & plus her posture & mobility issues were becoming a real problem.The physio tested Ellie's reflexes to which we were then sent to A&E for another x-ray.One week later we had an MRI scan which we were informed they had found an abnormality & instantly admitted Ellie to the Children's Wessex neuroligical ward at Southampton General Hospital where we were told that Ellie had a tumour on the base of her spine,with the intention to operate within 48 hours.Ellie underwent a 5 hour operation to which they remove 2 vertabrae in her spine to reveal the tumour which was stopping her from going the toilet & also crushing nerves beneath it.2 days of laying & resting before the long road of physio ahead was required,With the help of morphine.A week after the operation Ellie then had another MRI scan to check on the progress to which another tumour was discovered at the top of Ellie's spine,this time an operation was not an option.We were then referred to The London University Hospital to see a consultant about radiotherapy.We then had an informative discussion regarding the risks involved with radiotherapy,during this we were informed of an alternative option 'Proton threatment 'in Germany,or The United States Of America,which is currently not available on the National Heatlth Service.Our application was submitted by the consultant at The University College London Hospital to the panel.Thankfully we were accepted at the West German Proton Therapy Center in Essen,Germany to which we start our treatment on the 2nd July 2018 until 15th August 2018(30 courses of Proton Therapy)Due to the time in which we are away in Germany we are both unable to work which will obviously have its financial issues,this being the case we would like to ensure Ellie's experience in Germany is as stress free & as normal as possible during our time in Essen.Thank you for taking the time to read about our Ellie's story