Chloe Beecroft, aged 10, is now living the fun-filled childhood she missed out on after rounds of intensive treatment for a tumour in her eye throughout 2011 and 2012.
Having just received news that the growth remains under control from her latest round of scans, the Vickerstown School pupil is set to have a stress-free Christmas with her parents Nick and Karen and older brother Callum, 13. Speaking from the family’s home in Plover Gardens, Walney. Mrs Beecroft said seeing Chloe so ill had altered her perspective on life.
She said: “It really does change the way you think about everything.
“There were a few times when she was having chemo when we weren’t together around Christmas – she actually spent a new year in hospital.
“Now, we just look forward to the time together. That’s what’s important to us.”
Chloe, who has also been nominated for an Evening Mail Christmas Star award, was diagnosed with type 1 neurofibramatosis – a genetic condition that causes tumours to grow throughout the body.
She underwent 18 months of gruelling chemotherapy at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital after doctors discovered a tumour on her optic nerve.
But supported by staff from The Rainbow Trust, the little girl bravely pushed through the ordeal, undeterred by setbacks along the way which included finding out she was allergic to some of the drugs used.
“She’s very stubborn,” said Mrs Beecroft, 39. “But that was definitely her saving grace.
“We saw how well she coped with things and we had to do the same. She just got on with it, she’s amazing.”
Now back at school, Chloe has long hair for the first time after it fell out during her chemotherapy.
She has taken up horse riding at Seaview Riding School, on Walney, to help improve her balance and, like many youngsters her age, she is hoping to find a 3Doodler under the Christmas tree on December 25.
She will be on medication for the rest of her life to help keep the tumour in check.
Mrs Beecroft added: “We just try not to think about it, but unfortunately it’s always in the back of your mind.
“But Chloe is very brave and she is adamant that she would have the chemotherapy again if she needed to. We are all just happy to enjoy a family Christmas at home knowing that Chloe is doing really well.”
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