As a lot of family and friends know Reuben has had episodes of ‘passing out’ and headaches for a few years now, including his last episode which he grazed all his face. Since this Reuben has been investigated for this with lots of different tests completed. When tests were coming back inconclusive consultant referred him to the Epilepsy team. His first appointment with this new consultant was at the beginning of December, routine questions etc etc. The consultant requested an MRI an his famous last words being ‘I only ordering this to rule everything in the brain out, nothing will come of it’

On January 4th, Reuben had his MRI and we went home about our lives as normal, until 7th January where I got the phone call that something had been found on his MRI and get him into Nightingale ward at chesterfield urgently. With our minds running wild we attended, to learn Reuben in fact had a brain tumour and would need brain surgery at Sheffield Children’s Hospital urgently. Our hearts broke, but Reuben being himself took everything in his stride and continues to do so. The team at Sheffield have been incredible, his surgery was completed on the 14th January and so far has shown success, his tumour has been sent for testing in the hope it is benign and we can move forward with our lives.

Since surgery, Reuben has struggled but made progress as each day has gone on for which we are so proud he has not had any of the terrifying side effects of surgery so far. Although everything is looking positive at the moment, there will be scans an appointments for the next 10 years.

We expect recovery to be long & tough, with Reuben unable to attend school for quite a few months… with this in mind I have had no choice but to resign from my job in order to be Reuben’s full time carer and be able to focus on his recovery…

Im not one for making these pages and anyone that knows me, knows how uncomfortable I feel making this page but in these tough times, we are struggling. The travel expenses, parking, and future expenses expected on little to no income is proving very stressful. We would like to raise money not only to assist Reuben with anything he needs, including home learning activities for the time he will be home, to be able to take him on appropriate days out to get him back into a normal life but also for the team at Ward 5 at Sheffield children’s hospital who have been incredible with us as parents and Reuben, to be able to help with more toys, equipment etc for the other poorly children they are and will help in the future. I know this is a rough time for anyone in the current climate and just after Christmas but any small donation would go along way at this time. Thankyou for reading & for everyone that has reached out during this difficult time.