'Glimmer' of hope for tot with eye tumours

Encouraging results after treatment for little Denvah

- By Sam Volpe Health reporter [e-mail]

A TOT who has cancer in both eyes is showing signs of “glimmers of hope” following the early stages of treatment.

Little Denvah Finlay, one, from Sunderland, has retinoblastoma.

She was diagnosed just weeks ago shortly after her first birthday.

Denvah, who has undergone laser treatment and cryotherapy to shrink the tumours, is also going through a six-round course of chemotherapy. She has now been awarded a special award from bravery by Cancer Research UK.

Denvah has been given a Children & Young People Star award by the charity. This comes as she looks to enjoy Christmas despite her heartbreaking illness.

Denvah's mum Gemma, 42, said the time since her diagnosis had been, understandably, a whirlwind.

She said: "It has been such a whirlwind since she got diagnosed in November, and we haven't had chance to come up for breath yet.

"With Christmas round the corner, it feels like such a lot to sort to make sure Denvah and all the kids can have a special time together.

"I almost didn't put up the tree, but then I thought this might be the last time Denvah is able to actually see it if she loses all her vision, so I've made sure we've gone ahead with as many plans as we can."

The family have returned from a three day stint in hospital in Birmingham - where there is a specialist centre for retinoblastoma. And Denvah's latest scan result have shown some positive signs.