A community in Bootle is organizing a fundraiser for the family of an eight-month-old boy diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer. The event aims to support the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, a charity that has provided essential help to the family since their son, Oliver Furnival, received his diagnosis four months ago.
Oliver is being treated for retinoblastoma, a condition that affects only about 40 to 50 children in the UK each year. The 'Race Night for Oliver' will take place on November 1 at the Mel Inn Social Club, with all proceeds going to the charity that has been a lifeline for his parents.
Key Takeaways
- An eight-month-old from Bootle, Oliver Furnival, was diagnosed with the rare eye cancer retinoblastoma.
- A 'Race Night' fundraiser is scheduled for November 1 at the Mel Inn Social Club to raise money for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT).
- Oliver's mother, Olivia Hannaford, first noticed symptoms when he was four months old, including a lack of focus and a white glow in his eye.
- The family is receiving treatment at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, with CHECT providing logistical and emotional support.
- Doctors are hopeful that treatment can save some of Oliver's vision in the affected eye.
A Mother's Concern Leads to a Shocking Diagnosis
For Olivia Hannaford, 29, and her partner Tom Furnival, 29, the first few months with their son Oliver were filled with joy. However, as Oliver approached four months old, Olivia began to notice something concerning about his right eye.
"It just didn’t seem to be as focused as his other one when he was looking at anything," she explained. Initially, friends and family didn't see a problem, but Olivia's intuition told her otherwise. She first suspected a turn in the eye and contacted her health visitor, who made a referral to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
The situation became more alarming when Olivia noticed a distinct glow in his eye. "When he was looking a certain way there was a glow in his eye, like a full white shadow," she said. After sending photos to Alder Hey, the family was asked to come in for an urgent appointment.
Following a series of tests, the family received the devastating news: Oliver had retinoblastoma, a cancerous tumour in his eye. The diagnosis came just two weeks after the couple had gotten engaged.
"My first thought when I heard the word cancer was that Oliver might die. I can’t even remember walking out of the hospital, everything was just a blur. You never think it will happen to you and, for a moment, my world just fell apart."
Navigating Treatment and Finding Hope
Oliver's treatment is being managed at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, a specialist centre for this rare condition. The family faced the possibility that Oliver could lose his eye, a common outcome for retinoblastoma, which typically affects children under five.
However, consultants opted for a course of targeted chemotherapy to shrink the tumour, followed by laser treatment to break it down. "He’s had three rounds of chemotherapy so far and it seems to be working well," Olivia reported. A crucial positive sign is that the cancer had not spread to the lens of his eye.
What is Retinoblastoma?
Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer that usually affects young children, typically under the age of five. It develops in the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. According to the NHS, around 40 to 50 children are diagnosed with it each year in the UK. A common sign is a white glow in the pupil, often seen in flash photos.
While the treatment is progressing, Oliver's retina has become detached. Doctors are monitoring it to see if it reconnects on its own before deciding if further intervention is needed. The family is waiting to find out if a fourth round of chemotherapy will be necessary before moving on to the laser treatment phase.
The Role of the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust
Throughout this challenging period, the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) has provided invaluable support. The charity assists families by handling practicalities and offering emotional guidance.
"The charity have been amazing, and they’ve taken a lot of the worry away from us," Olivia said. Because Oliver's treatment is in Birmingham, CHECT arranges for the family to stay in a hotel the night before his appointments.
"They’ve given us a support worker to guide us through and help us as Oliver goes through his treatment. I don’t know how we’d have managed without them."
Community Support and Raising Awareness
The upcoming fundraiser was organized by Tom's close friend, John McGunigle, who is the player-manager of Sefton OA community football club, where Tom also manages a team. The initial idea was to support the family directly, as Tom has taken time off work and Olivia has stopped working to care for Oliver.
However, the couple insisted that all funds raised should go to CHECT. "It was so kind of John, but we will manage, so everything from the night will go to the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust," Olivia stated. "We are so lucky to have them there to support us."
Event Details: Race Night for Oliver
- Event: A fundraiser featuring a 'race night' format.
- Date: November 1.
- Location: Mel Inn Social Club, Bootle.
- Purpose: To raise funds and awareness for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust.
- How to Help: Organizers are seeking a sponsor for the evening, as well as raffle and auction prizes. A Collctiv page has been set up for donations.
Beyond raising money, Olivia hopes the event will increase awareness of retinoblastoma's signs. "The night will also mean that, as well as raising money, we can raise awareness so parents can look out for any signs and spot them early," she added.
Looking to the Future
The family remains optimistic about Oliver's future. While his vision in the affected eye will be permanently impacted, the prognosis is far better than they first feared. Tests have confirmed the cancer is not genetic.
"We’ve been told that while he won’t be able to be a surgeon or a pilot, or be in the army, if everything goes well, Oliver will be able to function perfectly well and see colours, or shadows or, even objects," Olivia shared. With a smile, she added, "Tom’s hoping he’ll still be able to play for Liverpool!"
The family's journey highlights the importance of parental vigilance, specialized medical care, and the critical support provided by charities and the local community.