World Cancer Day: Cornwall mum feared for daughter's life after brain tumour diagnosis
Emma had to quit her job but was given financial support through a charity
A mum from Cornwall has told us how her life was turned upside down when her little girl was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour.
Five-year-old Merryn from Liskeard started having seizures in July 2019, she had three within the space of two weeks.
An emergency MRI scan was carried out and a large mass was discovered on her brain.
Merryn was transferred to Bristol Children's Hospital where she had surgery, which showed she had a very rare and aggressive type of brain cancer.
The youngster went through intensive chemotherapy and spent six weeks at hospital in Manchester for proton therapy.
She finished her treatment last February and now, age six, is doing really well.
"The thought of her having her surgery, eight and a half hours of brain surgery was awful enough. I remember the first day she had her first chemo, just sitting there and watching your child have these drugs pumped into it, I couldn't watch, it was horrific."
Emma Handley, Merryn's mum
Mum Emma Handley had to quit her job to look after Merryn.
Throughout the whole time the charity Clic Sargent, which helps children and young people with cancer, gave the family financial, emotional and practical support.
When the family were in Bristol, they were having to find hotels for Emma's husband to stay in. But after speaking to a social worker from the charity, they managed to get some help.
Clic Sargent provided a home-from-home which they could stay in, it had a bedroom, bathroom, cooking and washing facilities.
"Just having those elements to make life a bit easier and less stress financially was invaluable, it was a brilliant support."
Emma Handley, Merryn's mum
Emma was also trying to manage applying for disability allowance for Merryn and universal credit, but the social worker helped her through the whole process.
"When we were told we had to go to Manchester, they provided our accommodation and transport, we had to be between two hospitals, but all of that was covered. The service that we've been given by both the NHS and Clic Sargent has been amazing.
"It is invaluable, your life has turned upside down, to be honest my last thoughts were what I might do for money because I was more concerned that my child might die, so it was at the back of my mind. But they were very clear headed and the social workers and team were able to tell me what to do."
Emma Handley, Merryn's mum
Emma now volunteers for the charity to help other families going through similar situations.
She is raising awareness about childhood cancer as part of World Cancer Day.
Last year Clic Sargent supported 82 families in Cornwall alone and 47 of those received financial grants.
You can find out more about the charity here.