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North Wales Live
09-07-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Mum says picture taken at nursery saved her son's life
A grateful mum says a picture of her son having fun at nursery saved his life when the camera flash revealed a rare cancer lurking in his eye. Laura Davies said her husband Tom Davies, 39, first noticed a strange cloudiness in their two-year-old son Sidney's left eye in April. The 39-year-old said at the time she searched online for information relating to cloudy eyes but all that came up was information about cataracts. But when Sidney's nursery took a picture of him as he enjoyed a day in the sensory room, the camera flash revealed his left eye was cloudy compared to his right. After a visit to her GP and Specsavers, Sidney was eventually referred to Birmingham Children's Hospital and had an ultrasound. He was diagnosed with retinoblastoma on May 19 - a rare eye cancer that can affect young children. Doctors decided the best course of action would be to remove the eye and Sidney underwent the operation on May 27. Laura said she 'burst out crying' when doctors told her Sidney had the all clear on June 11 and would not need any chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Laura, from Mold, Flintshire, said: "His nursery saved his life by taking that photo. "He was basically sat in his high chair opposite the French doors in our kitchen and my husband was like, 'his eye doesn't look right.' It basically looked cloudy. It was literally just when he was looking to the left. I've got to be honest I probably wouldn't have noticed it. "His nursery took a photo of him in the sensory room and that's when it showed it [Sidney's eye] white. It was almost like it was reflecting the light, it's really hard to describe. It was like his eye wasn't there, it was like a mirror. "He [Sidney] coped with it so well and I think the boys gave me strength as well. It was so scary seeing him go for the operations. I think we went into mum and dad mode. You kind of just get through it. Afterwards when we found out that he was okay and he didn't need any chemotherapy then it all hit me if I'm honest. "I burst out crying [when he got the all clear]. It was such a relief." Sidney currently has a temporary plastic shell called a conformer fitted in his eye socket but is undergoing another operation in July to have a prosthetic eye fitted. Laura said doctors also discovered Sidney's retina was detached, and they were not sure how long it had been since he had been able to see out of his left eye. He will have to wear protective goggles when he plays sport, but other than that Laura hopes her son will be largely unaffected by the prosthetic. Laura said: "It was horrendous. We were so worried, we expected it but you know when you're actually hearing those words it's a different story. It was a lot to take in. "I was obviously upset about the fact that he needed to have his eye removed. All the thoughts run through your head of how they are going to cope in school and kids are horrible and things like that. But I was also looking at it and thinking, 'I just want it out' because you could literally see it. "In terms of the effects on him it's been quite minimal because he's already dealt with that himself, not being able to see out of that eye. I keep saying to people, 'I would never have known.' "I've always said he's very careful. He will go down the steps very carefully unlike my other son who is older and who's like a bull at a gate. "You sort of think back and think, 'maybe that's why?' but he's a happy boy, he showed no signs of this. We didn't notice that he couldn't see out of his eye. "It's funny because people have said when they see him on the school run and things that he's got a new lease of life. I don't know whether it was bothering him before, whether it was blurry. We'll never know really." Laura's husband is taking part in a sponsored walk up and down Moel Famau, the highest hill in the Clwydian Range, 12 times in 12 hours with family and friends to raise money for Birmingham Children's hospital. The distance will be around 40 miles in total and Laura said she and their two children are planning to join him for the last summit. Specsavers Broughton Park Ophthalmic director Kelly Gibson said: "We're incredibly grateful that Laura attended with her son, Sidney, to see us after being alerted by a concern from his nursery. It's reassuring to know that I was able to ensure he received the urgent care he needed. We're relieved that his condition was caught early, and he received treatment in a timely manner. "Stories like this are a powerful reminder of how important it is to attend for an eye examination if you ever notice a change or feel that something isn't quite right with your eyes. It also highlights the importance of eye examinations for children, whether it is due to a concern or a routine review, we look after all ages. An eye examination can sometimes uncover signs of more serious health conditions, and acting early can make all the difference." To donate to the JustGiving page follow the link: The NHS describes retinoblastoma as a rare eye cancer that can affect young children and says it can be in one of both eyes and affects the back of the eye. The NHS says it can be treated successfully if it is found early and is often linked to a change in gene that controls the growth of the eye.
Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Mum says picture taken at nursery saved her son's life
Mum says picture taken at nursery saved her son's life The picture revealed that something was wrong and Laura immediately asked for help Sidney alongside his mum Laura (Image: Kennedy News and Media ) A grateful mum says a picture of her son having fun at nursery saved his life when the camera flash revealed a rare cancer lurking in his eye. Laura Davies said her husband Tom Davies, 39, first noticed a strange cloudiness in their two-year-old son Sidney's left eye in April. The 39-year-old said at the time she searched online for information relating to cloudy eyes but all that came up was information about cataracts. But when Sidney's nursery took a picture of him as he enjoyed a day in the sensory room, the camera flash revealed his left eye was cloudy compared to his right. After a visit to her GP and Specsavers, Sidney was eventually referred to Birmingham Children's Hospital and had an ultrasound. He was diagnosed with retinoblastoma on May 19 - a rare eye cancer that can affect young children. Doctors decided the best course of action would be to remove the eye and Sidney underwent the operation on May 27. Laura said she 'burst out crying' when doctors told her Sidney had the all clear on June 11 and would not need any chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Laura, from Mold, Flintshire, said: "His nursery saved his life by taking that photo. "He was basically sat in his high chair opposite the French doors in our kitchen and my husband was like, 'his eye doesn't look right.' It basically looked cloudy. It was literally just when he was looking to the left. I've got to be honest I probably wouldn't have noticed it. "His nursery took a photo of him in the sensory room and that's when it showed it [Sidney's eye] white. It was almost like it was reflecting the light, it's really hard to describe. It was like his eye wasn't there, it was like a mirror. Article continues below "He [Sidney] coped with it so well and I think the boys gave me strength as well. It was so scary seeing him go for the operations. I think we went into mum and dad mode. You kind of just get through it. Afterwards when we found out that he was okay and he didn't need any chemotherapy then it all hit me if I'm honest. "I burst out crying [when he got the all clear]. It was such a relief." Sidney currently has a temporary plastic shell called a conformer fitted in his eye socket but is undergoing another operation in July to have a prosthetic eye fitted. Laura said doctors also discovered Sidney's retina was detached, and they were not sure how long it had been since he had been able to see out of his left eye. Two-year-old Sidney Davies - Laura Davies said her husband Tom Davies, first noticed a strange cloudiness in Sidney's left eye in April when it hit the light (Image: Kennedy News and Media ) He will have to wear protective goggles when he plays sport, but other than that Laura hopes her son will be largely unaffected by the prosthetic. Laura said: "It was horrendous. We were so worried, we expected it but you know when you're actually hearing those words it's a different story. It was a lot to take in. "I was obviously upset about the fact that he needed to have his eye removed. All the thoughts run through your head of how they are going to cope in school and kids are horrible and things like that. But I was also looking at it and thinking, 'I just want it out' because you could literally see it. "In terms of the effects on him it's been quite minimal because he's already dealt with that himself, not being able to see out of that eye. I keep saying to people, 'I would never have known.' "I've always said he's very careful. He will go down the steps very carefully unlike my other son who is older and who's like a bull at a gate. "You sort of think back and think, 'maybe that's why?' but he's a happy boy, he showed no signs of this. We didn't notice that he couldn't see out of his eye. "It's funny because people have said when they see him on the school run and things that he's got a new lease of life. I don't know whether it was bothering him before, whether it was blurry. We'll never know really." Sidney alongside his mum Laura (Image: Kennedy News and Media ) Laura's husband is taking part in a sponsored walk up and down Moel Famau, the highest hill in the Clwydian Range, 12 times in 12 hours with family and friends to raise money for Birmingham Children's hospital. The distance will be around 40 miles in total and Laura said she and their two children are planning to join him for the last summit. Specsavers Broughton Park Ophthalmic director Kelly Gibson said: "We're incredibly grateful that Laura attended with her son, Sidney, to see us after being alerted by a concern from his nursery. It's reassuring to know that I was able to ensure he received the urgent care he needed. We're relieved that his condition was caught early, and he received treatment in a timely manner. "Stories like this are a powerful reminder of how important it is to attend for an eye examination if you ever notice a change or feel that something isn't quite right with your eyes. It also highlights the importance of eye examinations for children, whether it is due to a concern or a routine review, we look after all ages. An eye examination can sometimes uncover signs of more serious health conditions, and acting early can make all the difference." Article continues below To donate to the JustGiving page follow the link: NHS describes retinoblastoma as a rare eye cancer that can affect young children and says it can be in one of both eyes and affects the back of the eye. The NHS says it can be treated successfully if it is found early and is often linked to a change in gene that controls the growth of the eye.
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Toddler's life saved after mum spots small detail in seemingly normal photo
Laura Davies and her husband Tom first spotted something strange in their toddler's eye while at home, but a picture from his nursery confirmed their worst fears A mum says a snap of her little boy having fun at nursery ended up saving his life after the camera flash revealed a rare disease lurking in his eye. Laura Davies, 39, said her husband Tom, 39, first spotted a strange cloudiness in their two-year-old son Sidney's left eye when light hit it in a certain way. At the time, Laura turned to Google but only found information about cataracts and made a mental note to 'keep tabs' on it. But weeks later, Sidney's nursery in Mold, Flintshire, captured a photo of him playing in the sensory room and the flash showed his left eye glowing white compared to his right. That innocent snap led to a GP appointment, a trip to Specsavers and an urgent referral to Birmingham Children's Hospital, where an ultrasound confirmed every parent's worst nightmare. On May 19, doctors diagnosed Sidney with retinoblastoma - a rare and aggressive eye cancer that mostly affects babies and young children. Just days later, the brave tot underwent surgery to remove the eye in order to save his life. Laura said: 'His nursery saved his life by taking that photo. 'He was basically sat in his high chair opposite the French doors in our kitchen and my husband was like, 'his eye doesn't look right.' It basically looked cloudy. 'It was literally just when he was looking to the left. I've got to be honest, I probably wouldn't have noticed it. Then his nursery took a photo of him in the sensory room and that's when it showed his eye white. 'It was almost like it was reflecting the light. It's really hard to describe – it was like his eye wasn't there, like a mirror.' Sidney had his operation on May 27 and, to his parents' huge relief, doctors confirmed on June 11 that he didn't need chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer that usually affects children under five. The NHS says it can occur in one or both eyes and affects the back of the eye (the retina). It can often be treated successfully if caught early, and a tell-tale sign can be a white glow in the pupil that shows up in photos. 'I burst out crying [when he got the all clear],' Laura admitted. 'It was such a relief.' Sidney now has a temporary plastic shell called a conformer fitted in his eye socket, but he is set to have a prosthetic eye fitted in July. Doctors also discovered his retina was detached and said they weren't sure how long he'd been unable to see from his left eye. Despite this, Laura says her little boy has amazed them with his resilience. 'He coped with it so well and I think the boys gave me strength as well. It was so scary seeing him go for the operations. I think we went into mum and dad mode - you kind of just get through it. Afterwards, when we found out he didn't need chemotherapy, it all hit me. 'I was obviously upset that he needed to have his eye removed. All the thoughts run through your head – how they are going to cope in school, and kids can be horrible. 'But I was also looking at it and thinking, 'I just want it out,' because you could literally see it. In terms of the effects on him, it's been quite minimal because he'd already dealt with it himself - not being able to see out of that eye. 'We didn't even notice he couldn't see. People have said when they see him on the school run that he's got a new lease of life. I don't know whether it was bothering him before, whether it was blurry. We'll never really know.' Tom is now planning a mammoth fundraising challenge to thank Birmingham Children's Hospital. He will climb up and down Moel Famau - the highest hill in the Clwydian Range - 12 times in 12 hours with family and friends, covering around 40 miles in total. Laura and their two children plan to join him for the final summit. Kelly Gibson, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Broughton Park, said: 'We're incredibly grateful that Laura brought Sidney to see us after his nursery raised concerns. It's reassuring to know I was able to ensure he received the urgent care he needed. 'Stories like this are a powerful reminder of how important it is to attend an eye examination if you ever notice a change or feel something isn't quite right. Acting early can make all the difference.'
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'My son's nursery sent a picture of him having fun - then he lost his eye'
Laura Davies, from Mold, Flintshire, says a photo taken by her two-year-old son's nursery helped save his life as it picked out a sign of a rare cancer and he was referred to Birmingham Children's Hospital A mum has told how a photo of her son playing at a nursery helped saved his life as it picked out a rare cancer. Laura Davies said her husband Tom Davies, 39, first noticed a strange cloudiness in their two-year-old son Sidney's left eye in April when it hit the light. The 39-year-old said at the time she searched online for information relating to cloudy eyes but all that came up was information about cataracts so she just made a mental note to keep tabs. But when Sidney's nursery took a snap of him as he enjoyed a day in the sensory room, the camera flash revealed his left eye was cloudy compared to his right. After a visit to her GP and Specsavers, Sidney was eventually referred to Birmingham Children's Hospital and had an ultrasound. He was diagnosed with retinoblastoma on May 19 - a rare eye cancer that can affect young children. Docs decided the best course of action would be to remove the eye and brave Sidney underwent the op on May 27. Laura said she 'burst out crying' when docs told her Sidney had the all clear on June 11 and would not need any chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Laura, from Mold, Flintshire, said: "His nursery saved his life by taking that photo. He was basically sat in his high chair opposite the French doors in our kitchen and my husband was like, 'his eye doesn't look right.' "It basically looked cloudy. It was literally just when he was looking to the left. I've got to be honest I probably wouldn't have noticed it. His nursery took a photo of him in the sensory room and that's when it showed it [Sidney's eye] white. "It was almost like it was reflecting the light, it's really hard to describe. It was like his eye wasn't there, it was like a mirror. He [Sidney] coped with it so well and I think the boys gave me strength as well. It was so scary seeing him go for the operations. "I think we went into mum and dad mode. You kind of just get through it. Afterwards when we found out that he was okay and he didn't need any chemotherapy then it all hit me if I'm honest. I burst out crying [when he got the all clear]. It was such a relief." Sidney currently has a temporary plastic shell fitted in his eye socket called a conformer but is undergoing another operation in July to have a prosthetic eye fitted. Laura said docs also discovered Sidney's retina was detached and they were not sure how long it had been since he had been able to see out of his left eye. The tot will have to wear protective goggles when he plays sport but other than that Laura hopes her son will be largely unaffected by the prosthetic. Laura said: "It was horrendous. We were so worried, we expected it but you know when you're actually hearing those words it's a different story. It was a lot to take in. "I was obviously upset about the fact that he needed to have his eye removed. All the thoughts run through your head of how they are going to cope in school and kids are horrible and things like that. But I was also looking at it and thinking, 'I just want it out' because you could literally see it. "In terms of the effects on him it's been quite minimal because he's already dealt with that himself, not being able to see out of that eye. I keep saying to people, 'I would never have known.' "I've always said he's very careful. He will go down the steps very carefully unlike my other son who is older and who's like a bull at a gate. You sort of think back and think, 'maybe that's why?' but he's a happy boy, he showed no signs of this. We didn't notice that he couldn't see out of his eye. "It's funny because people have said when they see him on the school run and things that he's got a new lease of life. I don't know whether it was bothering him before, whether it was blurry. We'll never know really." Laura's husband is taking part in a sponsored walk up and down Moel Famau, the highest hill in the Clwydian Range, 12 times in 12 hours with family and friends to raise money for Birmingham Children's hospital. The distance will be around 40 miles in total and Laura said she and their two children are planning to join him for the last summit. Specsavers Broughton Park Ophthalmic director Kelly Gibson said: "We're incredibly grateful that Laura attended with her son, Sidney, to see us after being alerted by a concern from his nursery. "It's reassuring to know that I was able to ensure he received the urgent care he needed. We're relieved that his condition was caught early, and he received treatment in a timely manner. "Stories like this are a powerful reminder of how important it is to attend for an eye examination if you ever notice a change or feel that something isn't quite right with your eyes. It also highlights the importance of eye examinations for children, whether it is due to a concern or a routine review, we look after all ages. An eye examination can sometimes uncover signs of more serious health conditions, and acting early can make all the difference."
The Irish Sun
03-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Terrified mum shares the chilling nursery snap of her toddler that saved his life – but can you spot the hidden killer?
LAURA Davies claims a photo of her son playing at nursery "saved his life" by revealing a potentially fatal hidden cancer. "I've got to be honest I probably wouldn't have noticed it [without the picture]," the 39-year-old mum-of-two from Flintshire, said. Advertisement 6 Laura Davies says a snap of her son having fun at nursery saved his life Credit: Kennedy News 6 Sidney was diagnosed with retinoblastoma on May 19 and had to have his eye removed Credit: Kennedy News 6 Laura said her husband Tom Davies with their two sons Credit: Kennedy News The picture caught a strange cloudiness in two-year-old Sidney's eye, which was actually a sign of retinoblastoma, a rare Laura said her husband Tom Davies, 39, first noticed the change in their two-year-old son Sidney's left eye in April. "He was basically sat in his high chair opposite the French doors in our kitchen and my husband was like, 'his eye doesn't look right," she recalled. The mum searched online for information relating to Advertisement Read more on eye cancer But when Sidney's nursery took a snap of him as he enjoyed a day in the sensory room, the camera flash revealed his "It was almost like it was reflecting the light, it's really hard to describe. It was like his eye wasn't there, it was like a mirror," Laura said. After a visit to her GP and Specsavers, Sidney was eventually referred to Birmingham Children's Hospital and had an ultrasound. He was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancer which starts in the retina, the inner layer in the back of the eye, on May 19. Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive Doctors diagnose around 40 to 50 children with retinoblastoma in the UK every year, according to Almost 99 to 100 out of every 100 children diagnosed survive for five years or more after they are diagnosed. Vision Express appointment saves life of baby girl diagnosed with deadly eye cancer, retinoblastoma "It was horrendous," the mum said. "We were so worried." Docs decided the best course of action would be to remove the eye and brave Sidney underwent the op on 27 May. Advertisement Initially this really concerned Laura. "All the thoughts run through your head of how they are going to cope in school and kids are horrible and things like that. "But I was also looking at it [the eye] and thinking, 'I just want it out' because you could literally see it [the cancer]." She said it was "so scary" to watch their young so endure so many operations. Advertisement "I think we went into mum and dad mode," she explained. "You kind of just get through it. 6 The picture caught a strange cloudiness in the two-year-old's eye Credit: Kennedy News 6 The tot is doing very well without his eye Credit: Kennedy News Advertisement "Afterwards when we found out that he was okay and he didn't need any chemotherapy then it all hit me if I'm honest. "I burst out crying [when he got the all clear]. It was such a relief." Sidney currently has a temporary plastic shell fitted in his eye socket called a conformer but is undergoing another operation in July to have a prosthetic eye fitted. Laura said docs also discovered Sidney's retina was torn and had come away from the back of his eye, which can cause vision loss. Advertisement They were not sure how long it had been since he had been able to see out of his left eye. "I don't know whether it was bothering him before, whether it was blurry. We'll never know really," the mum said. 'A new lease of life' The tot will have to wear protective goggles when he plays sport but other than that Laura hopes her son will be largely unaffected by the prosthetic. "In terms of the effects on him it's been quite minimal because he's already dealt with that himself, not being able to see out of that eye," she explained. Advertisement "He will go down the steps very carefully unlike my other son who is older and who's like a bull at a gate. "You sort of think back and think, 'maybe that's why?' but he's a happy boy, he showed no signs of this. We didn't notice that he couldn't see out of his eye." She added: "It's funny because people have said when they see him on the school run and things that he's got a new lease of life. Laura's husband is taking part in a sponsored walk up and down Moel Famau, the highest hill in the Clwydian Range, 12 times in 12 hours with family and friends to raise money for Birmingham Children's hospital. Advertisement The have launched a The distance will be around 40 miles in total and Laura said she and their two children are planning to join him for the last summit. Symptoms of retinoblastoma Most children with retinoblastoma seem fine. But two common signs that parents first notice in their child are that: they have a white glow or white reflection in the centre of their eye (pupil) - this is also known as leukocoria their eyes are not looking in the same direction (a squint) - also known as strabismus The pupil might look white, like a cat's eye reflecting light. This is sometimes noticed in photos when a flash is used. The pupil appears white rather than the typical red colour. Other less common symptoms might include: you or the school noticing your child can't see properly inflammation and reddening of their eye uncontrollable movement of their eye from side to side (nystagmus) Children do not usually complain of any pain. In very few cases, a child might be referred to a specialist children's doctor (paediatrician) because they are: not gaining weight developing normally During their tests, the abnormal retinoblastoma gene usually shows up in a blood test. Kelly Gibson, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Broughton Park, said: "We're incredibly grateful that Laura attended with her son, Sidney, to see us after being alerted by a concern from his nursery. "It's reassuring to know that I was able to ensure he received the urgent care he needed. Advertisement "We're relieved that his condition was caught early, and he received treatment in a timely manner. "Stories like this are a powerful reminder of how important it is to attend for an eye examination if you ever notice a change or feel that something isn't quite right with your eyes. "It also highlights the importance of eye examinations for children, whether it is due to a concern or a routine review, we look after all ages. "An eye examination can sometimes uncover signs of more serious health conditions, and acting early can make all the difference." Advertisement 6 Laura and Sidney, who is due to have another operation in July to have a prosthetic eye fitted Credit: Kennedy News
