A FOUR-YEAR-OLD |cancer survivor joined travel writer Bill Bryson and hundreds of other fundraisers for a walk in aid of research into childhood cancer.

Farah Smith, of Chester-le-Street, who was diagnosed with a tumour at the back of her brain at just 20 months-old, took part in a sponsored tour of the Blagdon Estate, in Northumberland, in support of the North of England Children’s Cancer Research (NECCR).

After a happy and healthy start to life, Farah’s parents, Claire and Paul Smith, noticed that Farah had begun to regress in her development.

Following her diagnosis Farah endured treatment in the form of a cocktail of drugs that she is still recovering from three years on.

Claire said:“Treatment for childhood cancer is often equally as aggressive as the tumour itself. Helplessly watching your child undergo chemo, while developing various infections and requiring blood transfusions, is incredibly difficult.

“As a result of this treatment our little girl also suffered with Posterior Fossa syndrome which resulted in temporary loss of speech, eyesight, further issues with mobility and right side weakness. Farah also required a shunt – this would help to drain excess fluid from her brain down her spine.”

She added: “Despite the trauma of Farah’s treatment a high point for our family had to be when she rang the end of treatment bell back in April 2016 – a milestone moment."

Fast forward 18 months and her scans remain clear, her hair has grown back and she has started mainstream primary school this September. Farah is undergoing physiotherapy and is still fighting to regain full mobility.

Claire said: “Our experience at the Great North Children’s hospital at the RVI has highlighted just how crucial the NECCR fund is to supporting the research into and development of safer and less damaging treatments for childhood cancers.

“Although we’re yet to eradicate cancer completely the studies taking place in the North-East, funded by the NECCR, are vital to advancing less aggressive treatments and developing an eventual cure for the disease.”