'Your daughter has a brain tumour'

A sentence no parent ever wants to hear.

I didn't hear anything after the surgeon said this to us. I remember holding back the tears because I don't usually cry in front of Darcie. I remember staring at my precious daughter and thinking, this is so unfair. She's only three. We were meant to be worried about scraped knees and bedtime stories - not life saving surgery.

On Friday 3rd May 2024 our beautiful daughter Darcie was diagnosed with a brain tumour and Hydrocephalus on the brain.

On Friday 21st June 2024 Darcie had life saving brain surgery. Her surgeon, Mr Bessel Zebian at Kings College Hospital, surrounded by an amazing team, managed to remove most of the tumour along with the Hydrocephalus (fluid build-up). She stayed in hospital for 14 nights; 5 long nights were spent in the High Dependency Unit. Without these people, without the team she has Darcie may not be here today. We will be forever grateful for all those involved, we owe them everything.

She continues to have lots of appointments and regular MRI scans to ensure the tumour hasn’t grown and that the fluid has not built up.

In April, myself, my mum, Sue, Stacey and Abi will be taking on the huge challenge of running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for a special cause. We will be raising vital funds to go Kings College Hospital. Darcie has spent a lot of time here, recovering and receiving treatment along with lots of other brave little children who have had brain or spinal surgery.

Myself and Darcie's dad have received unconditional support by friends, family and The Brain Tumour Chairty.

Thank you so much in advance for donating whatever you can, it really will make a massive difference. Whether you donate, share or simply send us your love and support - thank you. Love Charlotte x