Arthur, 8 – brain tumour surgery

Arthur was eight when doctors discovered a tumour pressing on part of his brain. Within weeks, he had gone from being an energetic little boy who loved football, drawing and playing with his friends, to a child facing major neurosurgery.

The complex operation to remove the tumour was a success. But Arthur’s family soon discovered that survival did not mean life had returned to normal. He tired easily. His right side was weaker. Holding a pencil and writing his name became difficult. Playground games that had once brought him joy now felt frightening and out of reach.

With specialist, intensive rehabilitation, Arthur could begin to rebuild what the tumour and surgery had taken away. Through therapy designed around a child’s world, he could practise reaching, gripping, standing, balancing and stepping in ways that felt like play — while slowly regaining strength, confidence and independence.

For Arthur, rehabilitation would not simply be about recovery. It would be about helping him return to school, friendships, family life and the childhood he deserved.