Worthing family reunited for Christmas after 10-year-old’s cancer treatment

Charlie Clayton, ten, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in March and underwent surgery to have as much removed as possible, but in September faced a heartbreaking separation from his family for further treatment.

He and mum Stacy travelled to Manchester for specialist treatment while his twin sister, Megan, stayed at home with their dad.

Stacy said the six-week treatment, over a course of 28 sessions, was a ‘crazy time’.

“It was hard on both Charlie and Megan, and our wider family, too,” she said. “As twins, they are very close and it was the first time they had been separated for more than a few nights.

“They both found it very difficult, but we focused on getting Charlie through his treatment and that kept us going.

“He got tired through his treatment but, fortunately, he coped okay. The staff were great with him and organised activities and Megan kept him busy with messages and video calls.

“Like any siblings they have their ups and downs but they really missed each other and they were so very happy to be reunited once we could go home.”

Charlie had undertaken 28 sessions of proton beam therapy at the Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester – the only hospital in the country where it is available.

It uses targeted radiotherapy beams to precisely treat some cancers and reduce damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

He completed his treatment in October and the family is now looking forward to a small, Covid-secure Christmas.

Stacy said: “We have been told Charlie is at no greater risk of Covid than anyone else, but we think under the circumstances we will keep our Christmas small this year.

“We’re looking forward to it. It will be nice to be able to spend some quality time together after the hectic year.

“We wouldn’t have got through this year without the NHS and The Christie, so we really are very grateful for all we have. It might be small but it will certainly be a Christmas to remember.”

A second proton beam therapy centre is being prepared at University College London Hospitals.